《百喻经》
[The] Sūtra [Of A] Hundred Parables
（四三）磨大石喻
(43) Parable [Of] Polishing [A] Big Rock
譬如有人，磨一大石勤加功力，经历日月作小戏牛，用功既重所期甚轻。
For example, there [is a] person polishing a big rock [with] diligence, additional labour [and] strength, going through days [and] months making [a] small toy cow, [with] use [of] efforts thereupon heavy, [and] that hoped [for] extremely light.
世间之人亦复如是，磨大石者喻于学问精勤劳苦，作小牛者喻于名闻互相是非。
People of [the] world [are] likewise thus. That polishing [of the] big rock [is] analogous to, [for] learning, [with] concentrated diligence toiling [with] suffering, [and] that making [of the] small cow [is] analogous to, [for] fame, [with] each other disputing [on rights and wrongs].
夫为学者研思精微博通多识，宜应履行远求胜果，方求名誉憍慢贡高，增长过患。
[They are] those [for] that [of] learning, studying [and] contemplating [the] subtle [and] extensive [to be] proficient [with] much knowledge, [who] should travel far [to] seek [the] supreme fruit, then seeking fame [and] honour, [with] arrogance [and] pride, increasing [in] faults [and] suffering [instead].
[Note: If much time and efforts are going to be expended, they should be spent for attaining that which is spiritually substantial. There should be ‘eyes on the (true) prize’, not being distracted to settle for less, or something else superficial, that is opposite of the goal in mind.]
Namo Amituofo : Translation and notes by Shen Shi’an
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估客驼死喻
[42] The Parable Of The Merchant With His Camel’s Death
https://purelanders.com/2023/09/07/42-the-parable-of-the-merchant-with-his-camels-death-from-the-sutra-of-a-hundred-parables
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欲食半饼喻
[44] The Parable Of Desiring To Eat Half A Pancake
https://purelanders.com/2023/09/07/44-the-parable-of-desiring-to-eat-half-a-pancake-from-the-sutra-of-a-hundred-parables
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