諸經要集 16.61

16.61

Furthermore, the Sūtra of One Hundred Parables says: In the past, there was a very wealthy elder. His attendants, wishing to win his favor, all showed him the utmost reverence. Whenever the elder spat, the attendants would wipe it away with their feet. There was a foolish man who was never quick enough to wipe it away, and he said to himself: 'If he spits on the ground, everyone wipes it away; when he is about to spit, I will be the first to tread on it.' Thereupon, just as the elder was clearing his throat to spit, this foolish man immediately raised his foot and trampled on the elder's mouth, splitting his lips and breaking his teeth. The elder spoke to him, saying: 'Why did you tread upon my lips and mouth?' The foolish man fully explained his reason: 'Because the spit was about to come out, I raised my foot beforehand to tread on it, hoping to gain your favor.' All things require the proper time; if the time has not yet arrived and one forces effort, one instead brings about distress. For this reason, worldly people ought to know the proper time and the improper time.