A fool suffers thinking,
"I have children! I have wealth!"
One's self is not even one's own.
How then are children? How than is wealth?

A fool conscious of her foolishness
Is to that extent wise.
But a fool who considers himself wise
Is the one to be called a fool.

A fool associating with a sage,
Even if for a lifetime,
Will no more perceive the Dharma,
Than a spoon will perceive the taste of soup.

A discerning person who associates with a sage,
Even for a brief moment,
Will quickly perceive the Dharma,
As the tongue perceives the taste of soup.


    Many people think they have much because they have a lot of money, or things, or children and grand children.  But they don't truly own any of those things.  They are all gifts from God that can be taken away as easily as they were given.
    The fool who doesn't have the capacity for spiritual growth will gain nothing from being with a sage but the person who is truly seeking enlightenment can gain from even a brief contact with a sage, guru, or spiritual teacher.