Appearance (AN4.65)

Numbered Discourses 4.65

7. Fitting Deeds

Appearance

“Mendicants, these four individuals are found in the world.

What four?

There are those whose estimation of and confidence in others is based on their appearance, on their voice, on their mortification, and on principle.

These are the four individuals found in the world.

Those who judge on appearance,

and those swayed by a voice,

are full of desire and greed;

those people just don’t understand.

Not knowing what’s inside,

nor seeing what’s outside,

the fool shut in on every side,

gets carried away by a voice.

Not knowing what’s inside,

but discerning what’s outside,

seeing the fruit outside,

they’re also carried away by a voice.

Understanding what’s inside,

and discerning what’s outside,

seeing without hindrances,

they don’t get carried away by a voice.”