諸經要集 7.57

7.57

Though one recites a thousand words, / if one does not practice them, what benefit is there? / It is not as good as hearing a single truth / and diligently cultivating it to gain benefit. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if the phrase's meaning is incorrect, / it is not as good as a single essential teaching, / which upon hearing can extinguish mental defilements. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if they are unrighteous, what benefit is there? / It is not as good as a single righteous teaching, / which upon being heard and practiced brings liberation. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if there is no reverence, what benefit is there? / It is not as good as a single practice / joyfully embraced and cultivated. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if the notion of self is not extinguished, / it is not as good as a single line / by which one abandons pride and heedlessness. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if the pursuit of fame becomes even more attached, / it is not as good as a single discourse / by which one casts aside clinging and leaves attachment behind. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if one does not wish to eliminate sins, / it is not as good as a single passage / by which one departs from birth and death. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if sensual desires become ever more entrenched, / it is not as good as a single understanding / where mind and objects are forgotten. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if one does not seek to transcend the world, / it is not as good as a single awakening / that thoroughly cuts off the three realms. / Though one recites a thousand words, / if neither compassion nor wisdom is preserved, / it is not as good as a single hearing / that benefits both oneself and others. / If a person lives to a hundred years / and their greed grows ever more intense, / it is not as good as a single day / of relinquishing wealth and sensual pleasures. / If a person lives to a hundred years / delighting in not upholding the precepts, / it is not as good as a single day / of purifying the mind and observing the precepts. / If a person lives to a hundred years / full of wrath and devoid of patience, / it is not as good as a single day / of holding joy without anger. / If a person lives to a hundred years / indolent, lazy, and without diligence, / it is not as good as a single day / of spurring on body and mind. / If a person lives to a hundred years / their passions rejoicing in heedlessness, / it is not as good as a single day / of turning the mind toward tranquil voidness. / If a person lives to a hundred years / with an obscured, darkened mind of consciousness, / it is not as good as a single day / of penetratingly awakening to ignorance. / If a person lives to a hundred years / clumsily directing body and mind, / it is not as good as a single day / of skillfully managing their course. / If a person lives to a hundred years / constantly harboring cowardice, / it is not as good as a single day / of heroic wisdom and strength. / If a person lives to a hundred years / without giving rise to virtuous vows, / it is not as good as a single day / of bringing forth the practice of the four great vows. / If a person lives to a hundred years / without producing a single insight of wisdom, / it is not as good as a single day / of possessing a sharp, bright nature of wisdom.