Quote about beings being like sticky lumps of dough

[KathyC]

I'm wondering if anyone could possibly help me. I am looking for a quote. I think it was from the Buddha. The general topic was that all beings, unless awakened, were mad. It made some reference to beings being like sticky lumps of dough. Does anyone have any idea where this was from? Or is it my frazzled memory!

Thank you

Kathy

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

I'm wondering if anyone could possibly help me. I am looking for a quote. I think it was from the Buddha. The general topic was that all beings, unless awakened, were mad. It made some reference to beings being like sticky lumps of dough. Does anyone have any idea where this was from? Or is it my frazzled memory!

It is not your frazzled memory, just a half-baked idea. I don't know about the two lumps of dough, but the idea that all worldlings (puthujjanā) are mad, in the sense of having no control over their minds, is a common statement. It comes from the Commentary though, so may not be the direct words of the Buddha.

Psychotherapy in Buddhism

The commentary of Majjhima Nikaya ‘Papancasudani’ says that – “All worldly beings are deranged”, “Sabbe puthujjana ummataka”

[KathyC]

Thank you. That rings a bell. I have no idea where the dough came into it. Thanks again, Kathy

[KathyC]

I have just been told that the 'sticky ball of dough' idea is related to a literal translation of puthujjana. Maybe not as half-baked as I thought.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

Maybe not as half-baked as I thought.

In that case, not baked at all!



Bhikkhu Pesala's puns are cool.

Metta,
Retro.

[Bhikkhu Pesala]

I have just been told that the 'sticky ball of dough' idea is related to a literal translation of puthujjana. Maybe not as half-baked as I thought.

I don't know of any such etymology. Puthujjana just means "the common man." See also the entry for puthu.