(23) THE THIEF STEALS EMBROIDERED SATIN TO WRAP UP WORN CLOTHES AND RAGS

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.

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.

23賊偷錦繡用裹氀褐喻

昔有賊人，入富家舍，偷得錦繡，即持用裹故弊氀褐種種財物，為智人所笑。

世間愚人，亦復如是。既有信心，入佛法中修行善法，及諸功德，以貪利故，破于清淨戒及諸功德，為世所笑，亦復如是。

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