諸經要集 9.94

9.94

又舊雜譬喻經云。昔有鼈遭遇枯旱。湖澤乾竭。不自致有食之池。時有大鶴集住其邊。鼈從求哀。乞相濟度。鶴啄銜之飛過都邑。鼈不默聲。問此何等。如是不止。鶴便應之。口開鼈墮人得屠食。夫人愚頑不謹口舌。其譬如是又法句喻經云。佛告婆羅門。世有四事。人不能行。行者得福不致此貧。何謂為四。一者年盛力壯慎莫憍慢。二者年老精進不貪婬妷。三者有財珍寶常念布施。四者就師學問聽受正言。如此老公不行四事。謂之有常。不計成敗。一旦離散。譬如老鶴守此空池。永無所得。於是世尊即說偈言。

Furthermore, the Old Sūtra of Miscellaneous Parables says: Formerly, a turtle encountered a drought and the lake dried up; it could not make its way to a pond that had food. At that time, a great crane landed and stayed beside it. The turtle begged for pity, asking to be saved. The crane took it in its beak and flew over a metropolis. The turtle could not keep silent and asked, “What is this place?” continuing like this without stopping. The crane then answered it; opening its mouth, the turtle fell down, and people caught it and slaughtered it for food. If a person is foolish and stubborn and does not take care with their mouth and tongue, the parable is just like this. Furthermore, the Sūtra of Parables of the Dharmapada says: The Buddha told a brāhmaṇa: “There are four things in the world that people are unable to practice; if one practices them, one will gain blessings and not be brought to such poverty. What are the four? First, when in the prime of life and physically robust, be careful not to be arrogant. Second, when advanced in age, be vigorous and not lustful. Third, when possessing wealth and precious jewels, constantly be mindful of giving. Fourth, approach teachers to study and hear and accept correct words. If an old man like this does not practice these four things, thinking [youth and health] are permanent and not considering success or failure, once they scatter and are lost, he is like an old crane guarding this empty pond, forever gaining nothing.” Thereupon, the Bhagavat spoke a gāthā: