The world today is encyclopedically foolish,
because of texts heaped upon us to death’s door,
all these books, papers, journals, and the rest
as we outdo each other in overflowing the libraries.

With scriptures flooding their heads till they waddle,
knowledge flooding their hearts most pitifully,
weary scholars washed out by their studies,
a world staggering without the light of Dhamma.

The more learning the more stupid, it’s hard to believe,
but the simple matter is ridiculously thus,
learning only what pulls the mind into more karma,
fondling sensuality, raving mad about status & fame.

Lots of play, eating too much, excessive money,
babbling speech, indulgent veterans in obscenity,
whoever upsets is joyfully cursed all day long —
yet they think this gravely malignant ignorance is good.