諸經要集 5.45

5.45

譬如以蚊嘴　猶可測海底
一切天與人　無能量僧者
僧以功德貴　猶尚不分別
而汝以年歲　稱量諸大德
大小生於智　不在於老少
有智勤精進　雖少而是老
懈怠無智慧　雖老而是少
汝今平量僧　是則為大失

Just as with a mosquito’s beak
one might yet measure the ocean’s bottom,
so of all gods and humans,
none can fathom the Saṅgha.
The Saṅgha is noble by virtue of its merits,
which yet cannot be distinguished [by outward appearances];
yet you, by mere years of age,
weigh and measure these venerable ones!
Greatness and smallness arise from wisdom;
they do not consist in old age or youth.
One who has wisdom and strives with diligence,
though young, is truly old;
one who is indolent and without wisdom,
though old, is truly young.
Your measuring of the Saṅgha today
is indeed a great loss.