Numbered Discourses 5.141
- At Tikaṇḍakī
Scorn
“Mendicants, these five individuals are found in the world.
What five?
One gives then scorns, one lives together then scorns, one is gullible for gossip, one is impulsive, and one is dull and stupid.
And how does an individual give then scorn?
It’s when an individual gives an individual robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicines and supplies for the sick.
They think:
‘I give;
this one receives.’
They give to them, then they scorn them.
That’s how an individual gives then scorns.
And how does an individual live together then scorn?
It’s when an individual lives with someone else for two or three years.
They live together with them, then they scorn them.
That’s how an individual lives together then scorns.
And how is an individual gullible for gossip?
It’s when they’re very quick to believe what a certain individual says in praise or criticism of another.
That’s how an individual is gullible for gossip.
And how is an individual impulsive?
It’s when a certain individual is fickle in faith, devotion, fondness, and confidence.
That’s how an individual is impulsive.
And how is an individual dull and stupid?
It’s when they don’t know the difference between qualities that are skillful and unskillful, blameworthy and blameless, inferior and superior, and those with a portion of dark or bright.
That’s how an individual is dull and stupid.
These are the five individuals found in the world.”