In my early years, I set out to acquire learning (from The Song of Enlightenment)

by Hsuan Chueh of Yung Chia / Yoka Genkaku

English version by International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts
Original Language Chinese

In my early years, I set out to acquire learning,
And I studied commentaries and inquired into Sutras and Shastras.
Distinguishing among terms and characteristics, I didn't know how to stop.
Entering the sea to count the sands I exhausted myself in vain.
But the Thus Come One reprimanded this folly:
What benefit is there in counting other's treasures?!
Unsuccessful all along, I felt I had practiced in vain.
Many years I wasted as a transient, like dust in the wind.

-- from Song of Enlightenment: By Great Master Yung Chia of the T'ang Dynasty, Edited by Tripitaka Master Hua / Translated by International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts

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In my early years