If he recites many teachings, but
— heedless man —
doesn’t do what they say,
like a cowherd counting the cattle of
others,
he has no share in the contemplative life.
If he recites next to nothing
but follows the Dhamma
in line with the Dhamma;
abandoning passion,
aversion, delusion;
alert,
his mind well-released,
not clinging
either here or hereafter:
he has his share in the contemplative life.
Lao-tse said it:
Who knows
doesn’t talk.
Who talks
doesn’t know.
Closing the openings,
shutting doors …
I am a cowherd, but I am off to tend my own herd.