The spirit-like turtle can live

For hundreds of years, and yet

It cannot avoid the net of a fisher.

Its wisdom can be compared to that

Of a master of survival, and yet

It cannot avoid the agony

Of having its bowels all scooped out.

We see from this that wisdom

Is not without its inherent perils,

And spirit-like intelligence

Does not reach to everything.

A man may have the greatest wisdom,

But there are men in many scheming

Against him. Fishes do not fear the net,

Though they fear seagulls and pelicans.

Hence, put away your small wisdom,

And your great wisdom will be bright.

Discard your skilfulness, and you will

Become a naturally skilful individual.

See for yourself, a child when it is born

Needs no great master, and yet

It becomes able to speak, living as it does

Among those who are able to speak. So,

Does such reason sound weak for you?