Buddhism

Chapter5— The Fool

◆ About this chapter

Chapter Five of the Dhammapada, titled The Fool, delineates the psychological and ethical contours of ignorance within the broader framework of Buddhist moral instruction. By contrasting the self-awareness of the wise with the delusion of the fool, this section serves as a foundational critique of attachment to ego and a call to mindful self-examination. Situated early in the text, it establishes the urgency of recognizing one's own limitations as a prerequisite for spiritual progress.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

The fool who knows his foolishness, is wise at least so far. But a fool who thinks himself wise, he is called a fool indeed.Leaving All Behind

This chapter appears in 1 cross-tradition parallel

Comparative studies that quote one or more verses from this chapter alongside passages from other traditions.

Leaving All Behindv63

Verse Discussions…

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Chapter Discussion

Discussion

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What in this chapter surprised you, or stopped you?
Where does this passage cut against your expectation?
What questions does it raise that you don't have an answer to yet?

— 5 —sacredatlas.org