Does this make sense to you?

Question

"Kalama Sutta"
- Do not believe in anything just because you have heard it.
- Do not believe in traditions just because they have been handed down for many generations.
- Do not believe in anything just because it is spoken and rumoured by many.
- Do not believe in anything just 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/or live up to it.

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

Answer 1

extremely well stated----just my thoughts--smile and enjoy the day

Answer 2

A wonderful philosophy to live by. The Buddha was definitely an atheist! Most answerers seem to agree except in the matter of preserving (non-religious) traditions. I agree with the Buddha in regard to religious tradition. I grew up under the yoke of Catholic traditions, handed down through the centuries. Many if not most of these traditions cannot be justified when measured against reasonable scrutiny and do NOT necessarily benefit all Catholics, just the Church. The traditions continued by the Catholic Church are a means to maintain and justify its existence. But the Catholic Church as an organized religion is just one of the earlier pioneers of this concept. All organized religions maintain traditions that ensure their survival and continued existence which are not questioned by their practitioners, simply because it's "tradition."

Answer 3

Yes but to add, it is important to realize that this is a continuous process. Accepting anything even after it passes observation and analysis does not mean that one should identify with it and never look at it again. One must keep the mind open in order to be free.

Answer 4

Do not believe in anything just because you have heard it.
I agree. You can't have faith or belief if you don't know and understand what you believe in.

- Do not believe in traditions just because they have been handed down for many generations. This I disagree with. Traditions are the link with your past, and your ancestors..Keep them and cherish them with love.


- Do not believe in anything just because it is spoken and rumoured by many.
Absolutely!

- Do not believe in anything just because it is found written in your religious books.Absolutely!

- Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.Absoluely.

Answer 5

And some people still worship the Buddha as a god.

"Not getting the message" seems to be a pretty universal human trait.

Answer 6

It makes perfect sense and is totally in concordance with my beliefs as a Christian. Buddhist teachings are always very succinct and logical. I have a great deal of respect for the Buddhists.

Answer 7

Good advice.

Edit:
I'll sort of side with "problem" on tradition. It's best to understand what the tradition means and why it developed. They are good to keep around for connections to the past but not blindly follow just for tradition's sake. For example, I don't mind the tradition of having "In God We Trust" on our money, but I don't follow the tradition of having my children baptized.

Answer 8

sure it does, but I don't agree that "second hand" information is all "bad" and subject to immense scrutiny , at the proper mature age everyone should seek and question and learn, otherwise we just conform BUT people can still be fulfilled and content and good in the "conforming" lifestyle to which they submit themselves , they have just chosen a different philosophy

Answer 9

That pretty much sums up my own philosophy of life.

Answer 10

Does this make sense to you ? Yes
Common sence to most people , I would think

Answer 11

Sounds good to me.