The parable of “The Listless Fool” tells the story of a wealthy man who differed from Sudatta in almost every way. Whereas Sudatta’s wealth posed no danger to his soul, the wealthy man in the parable is blinded by his possessions, unable to see himself or the world as they really are. As you read the parable, think about the way in which it complicates the Buddhist teaching on the relationship between wealth and spiritual development. How, for example, might a Buddhist reconcile the Buddha’s instruction to Sudatta to “remain in thy station in life” with the condemnation of the wealthy man in the parable offered by Ânanda, the favorite disciple of the Buddha?
There was a rich Brahman, well advanced in years, who, unmindful of the impermanence of earthly things and anticipating a long life, had built himself a large house.
Buddha sent Ânanda to the rich Brahman to inquire for the reasons why he had built a mansion with so many apartments and to preach to him the four noble truths and the eightfold path of salvation.
The Brahman showed Ânanda his house and explained to him the purpose of its numerous chambers, but to the instruction of Buddha’s teachings he did not listen.
Ânanda said: “It is the habit of fools to say, ‘I have children and wealth.’ He who says so is not even master of himself; how can he claim possession of children, riches, and servants? Many are the anxieties of the worldly, but they know nothing of the changes of the future.”
Scarcely had Ânanda left, when the old man was struck by apoplexy and fell dead. And Buddha said, for the instruction of those who were ready to learn: “A fool, though he live in the company of the wise, understands nothing of the true doctrine, as a spoon tastes not the flavor of the soup. He thinks of himself only, and unmindful of the advice of good counselors is unable to deliver himself.”
Source: Paul Carus, The Gospel of Buddha (Chicago: The Open Court Publishing Company, 1896), pp. 168–
Questions to Consider