The Buddha's Kalama Sutta

The following is an excerpt from one of the Buddha's most famous teachings, the Kalama Sutta:

* 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.

* 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.

– The Buddha