AN 2.135 - AN 2.135
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-2_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=102
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana, 2020, 2026. Free distribution only; do not alter the contents. The original book, including its complete permission notice, accompanies this text.
Candana source labels: 135. Site text ID: AN 2.135.

135. “Bhikkhus, it is by possessing two vile qualities that the unlearned foolish man, who is inferior by any and all measures, keeps himself in ruin by constantly working to decapitate and destroy himself, whereby he is unanimously found guilty and blamable in his actions by all those who are truly wise, and as a result, he amasses much demerit and very bad Kammic fruits.

“Now, what are those two qualities he possesses?

“Without trying to first investigate or scrutinize, he believes things that warrant healthy skepticism, as he blindly places his trust in questionable things. Meanwhile, he becomes dubious and highly suspicious of things that in fact do not warrant any skepticism, meriting trust and confidence.

“By possessing these two vile qualities, Bhikkhus, the unlearned foolish man who is inferior by any and all measures, keeps himself in ruin by constantly working to decapitate and destroy himself, whereby he is unanimously found guilty and blamable in his actions by all those who are truly wise, and as a result, he amasses much demerit and very bad Kammic fruits.

“On the other hand, Bhikkhus, it is by possessing these two other qualities that the learned wise man who is competent and superior, shields and safeguards himself from ever being injured or harmed, whereby he is unquestionably found praiseworthy and blameless in his actions by all those who are truly wise, and as a result, he amasses much merits and very good Kammic fruits.

“And what are those two qualities he possesses?

“Before putting his trust in something, first he investigates and carefully scrutinizes, and thus does not place his trust by blindly believing in questionable things that warrant suspicion. Furthermore, he places his trust in things only after having carefully investigated them and seen their truth, thereby putting his confidence in things that merit faith and trust.

“Therefore, Bhikkhus, it is by possessing these two other qualities that the learned wise man who is competent and superior, shields and safeguards himself from ever being injured or harmed, whereby he is unquestionably found praiseworthy and blameless in his actions by all those who are truly wise, and as a result, he amasses much merits and very good Kammic fruits.”