AN 2.134 - AN 2.134
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-2_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=101
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: 134. Site text ID: AN 2.134.

134. “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 doing any investigation or trying to find out and understand, he praises that which should not be praised, while also criticizing and disparaging that which should be praised.

“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 speaking, first he investigates and carefully scrutinizes, in order to reach a conclusive understanding, and only then he praises that which should be praised, while criticizing and disparaging that which should indeed be criticized.

“Therefore, Bhikkhus, by possessing these two other qualities, 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.”
