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The Buddha's Kalama Sutta

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The Kalama Sutta is one of the Buddha's most famous teachings. Upon entering the town of the Kalama, Gautama Buddha offered these teachings to the Kalamas who asked him for guidance.  The Kalamas were confused and dismayed that the monks and brahmins of various sects would visit with them and teach them only their own doctrines while condemning the doctrines of others they despised. They asked Gautama Buddha which of these monks and brahmins spoke the truth and which spoke falsehood?  The Kalama Sutta was the Buddha's response:

 

• Do not simply believe what you hear, just because you have heard it for a long time.

 

• Do not follow tradition blindly, merely because it has been practiced in that way for many generations.

 

• Do not be quick to listen to rumors.

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• Do not confirm anything just because it agrees with your scriptures.

 

• Do not foolishly make assumptions.

 

• Do not abruptly draw conclusions by what you see and hear.

 

• Do not be fooled by outward appearances.

 

• Do not hold tightly to any view or idea just because you are comfortable with it.

 

• Do not accept as fact anything that you yourself find to be logical.

 

• Do not be convinced of anything out of respect or deference to your spiritual teachers.

 

You should go beyond opinion and belief.  You can rightly reject anything which, when accepted, practiced and perfected, leads to more aversion, more craving and more delusion.  They are not beneficial and should be avoided. Conversely, you can rightly accept anything which, when accepted and practiced, leads to unconditional love, contentment and wisdom.  These things allow you time and space to develop a happy and peaceful mind. This should be your criteria on what is and what is not the Truth; on what should be and what should not be the spiritual practice.

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