§43 磨大石喻

(43) to grind a big stone

譬如有人，磨一大石，勤加功力，经历日月，作小戏牛。用功既重，所期甚轻。

once there was a man who ground a big stone with great effort. he made a small toy bull out of it after days and months of labor. the effort being made was strenuous, yet the gain expected was trivial.

世间之人，亦复如是。磨大石者，喻于学问，精勤劳苦；作小牛者，喻于名闻，互相是非。

so are the people from all walks of life. grinding a stone refers to learning seriously and diligently. to make a small toy bull applies 'to the illusive fame and the inducement of the mutual criticism.

夫为学者，研思精微，博通多识，宜应履行，远求胜果。方求名誉，骄慢贡高，增长过患。

a scholar should endeavor himself to serious studying to get wide and extensive knowledge. furthermore, he has to put his learning into practice so as to obtain some fulfillment. the goal must not be the illusive fame, complacence and arrogance, which breed only sins and calamities.

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