Buddhism in Bite Size Lessons: Lesson #15: Commentary on Kalama Sutta
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The people of Kalama asked the Buddha who to believe out of all the ascetics, sages, venerables, and holy ones who, like himself, passed through their town. They complained that they were confused by the many contradictions they discovered in what they heard. The Kalama Sutta is the Buddha’s reply.
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Do not believe anything on mere hearsay.
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Do not believe in traditions merely because they are old and have been handed down for many generations and in many places.
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Do not believe anything on account of rumors or because people talk a a great deal about it.
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Do not believe anything because you are shown the written testimony of some ancient sage.
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Do not believe in what you have fancied, thinking that, because it is extraordinary, it must have been inspired by a god or other wonderful being.
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Do not believe anything merely because presumption is in its favor, or because the custom of many years inclines you to take it as true.
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Do not believe anything merely on the authority of your teachers and priests.
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But, whatever, after thorough investigation and reflection, you find to agree with reason and experience, as conducive to the good and benefit of one and all and of the world at large, accept only that as true, and shape your life in accordance with it.
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The same text, said the Buddha, must be applied to his own teachings.
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Do not accept any doctrine from reverence, but first try it as gold is tried by fire.
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For me this is the chief appeal of Buddhism. Buddha doesn’t give us any Gospel truth. He doesn’t force any belief on us, nothing is to be believed because Buddha said so. It has a very scientific n rational approach. We test a hypothesis on the basis of our life experiences n accept it only if it rings true for us.
January 3, 2012. Buddha, Buddhism.
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tbsingh replied:
thanks for this information. I have great regards for Lord Buddha. My life has been much influenced by his character.In my early school days i read some extractions from Yasodhara a famous Hindi poem. Later in middle class The light of Asia by Arnold. your article reminds me of the great Lord Buddha. A thousand salutations at his feet.
January 6, 2012 at 7:52 pm. Permalink.
How to Investigate Truth for Yourself « creatingreciprocity replied:
[…] Buddhism in Bite Size Lessons: Lesson #15: Commentary on Kalama Sutta (ritusthoughtcatcher.wordpress.com) […]
January 7, 2012 at 5:42 pm. Permalink.