Sunday, April 30, 2006

Kalama Sutta

Do not believe in anything (simply)
because you have heard it.


Do not believe in traditions because they

have been handed down for many generations.


Do not believe in anything because it is

spoken and rumoured by many.


Do not believe in anything (simply) because

it is found written in your religious books.


Do not believe in anything merely on the authority

of your teachers and elders.


But after observation and analysis

when you find that anything agrees with reason

and is conductive to the good and benefit of one and all

then accept it and live up to it.

Buddha
(Anguttara Nikaya Vol. 1, 188-193 P.T.S. Ed.)

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