The Kalama Sutta

The Buddhist Charter of Enquiry

During the Buddha's time in India, more than 2500 years ago, people were, as they are now, confused by a myriad of religious beliefs expounded by different religious teachers who exalted their own teachings and denounced those of others. This discourse was given by the Buddha when He was asked by the Kalamas (the citizens of Kesaputta), who were confused over the many religions at that time.

The Buddha said:

• Do not accept anything on mere hearsay (thinking that thus we heard it for a long time)
• Do not accept anything by mere tradition (thinking that it has thus been handed down through many generations)
• Do not accept anything on account of rumours (believing what others say without any investigation)
• Do not accept anything just because it accords with your scriptures
• Do not accept anything by mere supposition
• Do not accept anything by mere inference
• Do not accept anything merely because it agrees with your preconceived notions
• Do not accept anything merely because it seems acceptable (should be accepted)
• Do not accept anything thinking that the ascetic is respected by us (and therefore it is right to accept his word)

But after careful observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept and abide by it. (Source: to be determined.)

Editor's Note: Without a doubt, this discourse is particularly pertinent to our age - the Information Age. One can find information on anything and everything on the World Wide Web.