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Significance of Stupidity

In Tibetan Buddhism, stupidity is described as a lack of sense or understanding, where individuals fail to learn from their own words or show aversion to recognizing the cognitive capacities of Atoms. Additionally, Theravada Buddhism considers stupidity as a deficiency in intelligence or understanding that can lead monks to make poor decisions. Both traditions emphasize the importance of awareness and reasoning in overcoming ignorance and making wise choices.

Synonyms: Foolishness, Ignorance, Idiocy, Senselessness, Absurdity, Folly, Lunacy

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Stupidity'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, stupidity is viewed as a lack of understanding that hinders knowledge acquisition, leads to poor decision-making, and reflects an aversion to recognizing intellectual capacities, particularly in the context of mutually exclusive concepts like Atoms.

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) A label used in the text implying a lack of sense or understanding in failing to derive knowledge from one’s own words.[1] (2) The lack of reasoning or intelligence attributed to the aversion against recognizing the cognitive capacities of Atoms, despite having mutual exclusivity in their forms.[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) Lack of intelligence or understanding that can cause monks to make poor choices.[3]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) Refers to a lack of awareness or understanding that can lead one to overlook the importance of utilizing their current opportunities for spiritual growth.[4]