譯文／北涼．曇無讖（385～433）

智者有二：一者不造諸罪，二者作已懺悔。

愚者亦二：一者作罪，二者覆藏。

雖先作惡，後能發露，悔已慚愧，更敢作；

猶如濁水置之明珠，以珠威力，水即為清。

如煙雲除，月則清明，作惡能悔亦復如是。

──選自《大般涅槃經》

The Difference Between the Wise and the Ignorant

Translated into Chinese by Dharmaksema

(385 - 433, Northern Liang Dynasty)

English translation: Ven. You Zai

There are two types of wise people:

The first does not transgress,

The second knows to repent.

There are two types of ignorant people:

The first transgresses,

The second conceals his mistakes.

Although one has committed unwholesome actions, those who know to feel remorse, repent, and not repeat the same mistakes are likened to a bright pearl in turbid water─the pearl is powerful and the water considered to be clear.

Those who do unwholesome deeds, but know how to repent, are likened to clearing the haze and clouds in the sky, so that the brightness of the moon can be seen.

── from Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(Great Nirvana Sutra)