§23 贼偷锦绣用裹氀褐喻
(23) the thief steals embroidered satin to wrap up worn clothes and rags
昔有贼人,入富家舍,偷得锦绣,即持用裹故弊氀褐种种财物,为智人所笑。
once upon a time there was a thief who sneaked into a rich man's house to steal a piece of embroidered satin. he used it to wrap up such objects as worn clothes, rags and sundry effects. he was laughed at by the wise.
世间愚人,亦复如是。既有信心,入佛法中修行善法,及诸功德,以贪利故,破于清净戒及诸功德,为世所笑,亦复如是。
so are the stupid in the world who have faith in buddhism, who practice good teachings and who do meritorious works. because of their basic greed for gain, however, they break the pure commandments and lose their various merits. they are also laughed at by the people at large.
注释:
①弊氀褐:弊,破旧。氀(lǚ),毛织品。褐,粗麻编的袜子或做的衣服。
②佛法:佛所讲的义理。
③诸功德:指读诵佛典、礼佛、布施等。