Once upon a time, there was a man who needed fire and cold water in caring out his household duties. He built a fire in his room. He filled a kettle with water and put it on the fire. Afterwards, the fire went out and the cold water turned hot. He got neither fire nor cold water.
So are the people at large who, devoted to the attainment of Buddhism, seek the enlightened way by becoming monks. But afterwards, they still keep ties to their wives, children and relatives; maintain their concern with the worldly affairs and their enjoyment of the five desires as well. For these reasons, they lose their meritorious blessings like the fire. They also break their commandments like the cold water.
This is held to be true with greedy men.
昔有一人，事须火用，及以冷水，即便宿火，以澡盥盛水，置于火上。后欲取火，而火都灭；欲取冷水，而水复热。火及冷水，二事俱失。
世间之人，亦复如是。入佛法中，出家求道。既得出家，还复念其妻子眷属世间之事五欲之乐。由是之故，失其功德之火、持戒之水。念欲之人，亦复如是。
So are the people at large who, devoted to the attainment of Buddhism, seek the enlightened way by becoming monks. But afterwards, they still keep ties to their wives, children and relatives; maintain their concern with the worldly affairs and their enjoyment of the five desires as well. For these reasons, they lose their meritorious blessings like the fire. They also break their commandments like the cold water.
This is held to be true with greedy men.
25水火喻
世间之人，亦复如是。入佛法中，出家求道。既得出家，还复念其妻子眷属世间之事五欲之乐。由是之故，失其功德之火、持戒之水。念欲之人，亦复如是。
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