[279] "Here, bhikkhus, some clansmen (kulaputtā) learn the Dhamma — the discourses (sutta), the mixed prose and verse (geyya), the expositions (veyyākaraṇa), the verses (gāthā), the inspired utterances (udāna), the quotations (itivuttaka), the birth stories (jātaka), the marvellous accounts (abbhutadhamma), and the question-and-answer texts (vedalla). Having learned that Dhamma, they examine the meaning of those teachings with wisdom; and as they examine the meaning with wisdom, those teachings meet with their acceptance upon reflection (nijjhānaṃ khamanti). They do not learn the Dhamma for the advantage of criticizing others, nor for the advantage of escaping from others' assertions in debate; and the purpose for which they learn the Dhamma — that very purpose they experience. Those teachings, being well grasped by them, conduce to their welfare and happiness for a long time. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, of the good grasp of the teachings.
Suppose, bhikkhus, a man in need of a water-snake (alagadda), seeking a water-snake, wandering in search of a water-snake, were to see a large water-snake. He would pin it down firmly with a cleft stick; having pinned it down firmly with the cleft stick, he would grasp it firmly by the neck. Then, bhikkhus, although that water-snake might wrap its coils around that man's hand or arm or some other limb great or small, still on that account he would not incur death or death-dealing suffering. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, of the good grasp of the water-snake. Even so, bhikkhus, here some clansmen learn the Dhamma — the discourses, the mixed prose and verse, the expositions, the verses, the inspired utterances, the quotations, the birth stories, the marvellous accounts, and the question-and-answer texts. Having learned that Dhamma, they examine the meaning of those teachings with wisdom; and as they examine the meaning with wisdom, those teachings meet with their acceptance upon reflection. They do not learn the Dhamma for the advantage of criticizing others, nor for the advantage of escaping from others' assertions in debate; and the purpose for which they learn the Dhamma — that very purpose they experience. Those teachings, being well grasped by them, conduce to their welfare and happiness for a long time. For what reason? Because, bhikkhus, of the good grasp of the teachings.
Therefore, bhikkhus, when you understand the meaning of what has been spoken by me, you should remember it accordingly; but when you do not understand the meaning of what has been spoken by me, then I should be questioned by you about it right there, or else those bhikkhus who are competent. Bhikkhus, I shall teach you the Dhamma with the simile of the raft (kullūpama) — for the purpose of crossing over, not for the purpose of grasping. Listen to it and attend well; I shall speak." "Yes, venerable sir," those bhikkhus replied to the Blessed One.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.