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II.
SKILFULNESS.
37
The venerable Sâriputra having spoken, the Lord said to him : Enough, Sâriputra; it is of no use explaining this matter. Why? Because, Sâriputra, the world, including the gods, would be frightened if this matter were expounded
But the venerable Sâriputra entreated the Lord a second time, saying: Let the Lord expound, let the Sugata expound this matter, for in this assembly, O Lord, there are many hundreds, many thousands, many hundred thousands, many hundred thousand myriads of kotis of living beings who have seen former Buddhas, who are intelligent, and will believe, value, and accept the words of the Lord.
The venerable Sâriputra addressed the Lord with this stanza:
32. Speak clearly, O most eminent of Ginas ! in this assembly there are thousands of living beings trustful, affectionate, and respectful towards the Sugata; they will understand the law by thee expounded.
And the Lord said a second time to the venerable Säriputra : Enough, Sâriputra; it is of no use explaining this matter, for the world, including the gods, would be frightened, Sâriputra, if this matter were expounded, and some monks might be proud and come to a heavy fall".
And on that occasion uttered the Lord the following stanza :
33. Speak no more of it that I should declare this law! This knowledge is too subtle, inscrutable, and there are so many unwise men who in their conceit and foolishness would scoff at the law revealed.
? Or, commit a great offence.
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