佛言 博聞愛道 道必難會 守志奉道 其道甚大
fó yán bó wén ài dào dào bì nán huì shǒu zhì fèng dào qí dào shèn dà
Key Message
Knowing much and loving the Way alone is not enough to encounter the Way. For one who holds resolve and practices with dedication, the Way opens greatly.
▸Though only two lines, section nine contains deep insight.
Though only two lines, section nine contains deep insight. One who listens widely and loves the Way (道) will find the Way difficult to meet; but one who holds firmly to resolve and serves the Way in practice will find that Way immensely great. Accumulating knowledge does not guarantee awakening; what brings one close to the Way is resolving to practice a single teaching wholeheartedly. The paradox that wide learning can impede understanding is a common teaching across Eastern and Western wisdom traditions.