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If someone is seeking fame and self-praise, then they do not know the ultimate truth. Their life is sustained by the means of renunciation, non-possession, and simple, dry food. These become mere means of livelihood, self-sustenance, or survival. Therefore, they are repeatedly born, grow old, die, suffer illness, grief, and other afflictions in this world, which is like a vast, dense forest. Even though they are eager to transcend the world, they become immersed in it and drown. This becomes a contradiction.
Those who are learned but do not practice the pure path of Samadhi and liberation should learn and understand how to eliminate these faults.
A monk who speaks well, is virtuous, and has insight is wise and learned. He who has profound wisdom and a pure heart will surpass others with his wisdom.
Commentary: A monk who is skilled in the art of language, speaks well, and is virtuous, is a true sage. He who speaks in a way that is good, beautiful, beneficial, moderate, and pleasing, is a virtuous speaker. This means that he speaks like milk and honey. He who has insight, has the qualities of intellect, understanding, and wisdom. He is able to respond immediately to any accusation or criticism. He is also knowledgeable and able to explain various aspects of the Dharma. He who has profound wisdom, has a deep understanding of the ultimate truth and is devoted to it. He who has a pure heart, is filled with the essence of Dharma. Such a monk is truly virtuous. However, if he becomes arrogant because of these qualities, such as thinking, "I am the only one who knows the art of language, I am the only one who is virtuous, there is no one like me who has insight, no one is as knowledgeable as I am in the scriptures, no one has profound wisdom, and no one has a pure heart," then he is not truly virtuous. Such a person will despise others with his wisdom. For what good is a person who is arrogant, stubborn, and full of pride? Such a person will not be able to participate in any gathering or discussion of the Dharma. Therefore, he should be humble and avoid arrogance. As it is said:
"Those who are arrogant and boastful about their own achievements will eventually be consumed by their own pride."
Commentary: A monk who is skilled in the art of language, speaks well, and is virtuous, is a true sage. He who speaks in a way that is good, beautiful, beneficial, moderate, and pleasing, is a virtuous speaker. This means that he speaks like milk and honey. He who has insight, has the qualities of intellect, understanding, and wisdom. He is able to respond immediately to any accusation or criticism. He is also knowledgeable and able to explain various aspects of the Dharma. He who has profound wisdom, has a deep understanding of the ultimate truth and is devoted to it. He who has a pure heart, is filled with the essence of Dharma. Such a monk is truly virtuous. However, if he becomes arrogant because of these qualities, such as thinking, "I am the only one who knows the art of language, I am the only one who is virtuous, there is no one like me who has insight, no one is as knowledgeable as I am in the scriptures, no one has profound wisdom, and no one has a pure heart," then he is not truly virtuous. Such a person will despise others with his wisdom. For what good is a person who is arrogant, stubborn, and full of pride? Such a person will not be able to participate in any gathering or discussion of the Dharma. Therefore, he should be humble and avoid arrogance. As it is said:
"Those who are arrogant and boastful about their own achievements will eventually be consumed by their own pride."