THE DHARMA DISCOURSES O...

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THE DHARMA DISCOURSES OF CARDINAL MASTER CHŎNGSAN(CHŎNGSAN CHONGSA PŎBŎ)

Part Two: Dharma Discourses

Chapter Six: Exposition of Scriptures

21

21. A student asked, “How are foolishness and stupidity different?” The Master replied, “Foolishness refers to an immature mind that cannot distinguish right from wrong. Stupidity refers to a mind that understands this distinction but has no sense of shame or proper decorum. There are many foolish people among those of inferior spiritual capacity and many stupid people among those of middling capacity. Hence, you must overcome the inferior and middling levels of spiritual capacities in order to reach the superior level. When you are entering a record into your diary, if you recall taking pleasure in empty praise, then record that you were enticed by stupidity. The root of the malady of stupidity is the desire for fame and reputation; imbecility and foolishness are similar.”