Cease from an inordinate desire of knowing, for therein is much distraction and deceit.
The learned are well-pleased to seem so to others, and to be accounted wise.
There are many things, which to know is of little or no profit to the soul; and he is very unwise, that is intent upon other things than those that may serve for his salvation.
Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life comforts the mind, and a pure conscience gives great assurance in the sight of God.
Imitation of Christ by Thomas a’ Kempis
Something for me to keep in mind. I’ve always used my knowledge as ego-ornamentation, always proud of citing this or that key text, this or that scholar. It’s however of little use. It would be much better to put that knowledge to use rather than to store up mountains of it in this brain, which is growing more impatient and tired by the day with this unnecessary accumulation of text-debris.
Hi there … this quote reminds me of the Buddha talking of his path … the story about the arrow, and wanting to know who made the arrow, etc,etc, rather than just pulling the arrow out (understanding suffering and the causes/path beyond suffering). There’s so much there to follow, but what is truly a life well lived? … what is truly worth considering, what worth thinking and saying …. hmm …
thanks once again,
Searching for the Dharma
You’ve traveled up ten thousand steps in search of the Dharma.
So many long days in the archives, copying, copying.
The gravity of the Tang and the profundity of the Sung make heavy baggage.
Here! I’ve picked you a bunch of wildflowers.
Their meaning is the same but they’re much easier to carry.
~ Xu Yun ~
From: http://monkeymindonline.blogspot.com/2008/06/searching-for-dharma.html