Though one recites many sacred texts, but acts not accordingly, negligent, one is like a cowherd counting others’ cattle: one does not share in the contemplative state.

A verse of direct criticism toward library spirituality. Bahumpi ce sahitaṃ bhāsamāno — though one recites much of what is well compiled (the Tipiṭaka, the scriptures): textual knowledge without corresponding practice is empty. It is not the accumulation of knowledge that transforms; it is the application of that knowledge in real life.

Gopo va gāvo gaṇayaṃ paresaṃ — like a cowherd counting others’ cattle: perfect image of the spiritual scholar who masters others’ knowledge but has not made it their own. They can count the cows, know their names, describe their behavior — but the milk and butter belong to another.

Na bhāgavā sāmaññassa hoti — one does not share in the contemplative state: sāmañña is the condition of the monk (samaṇa), the fruit of genuine practice. It is not obtained by accumulating knowledge but by real transformation of mind and conduct.

This verse is a warning for any practitioner who delights more in talking about spirituality than in practicing it. The yogic tradition would say: jñāna without karma and bhakti is dead knowledge. True knowledge is embodied.