The Kalama Sutta

Advice for Truth Seekers

Do not simply believe based on tradition, oral repetition or claims of revelation.

Do not simply believe teachings passed down by a succession of teachers.

Do not simply believe based on report or hearsay.

Do not believe simply because it conforms with scriptures.

Do not simply believe based on speculative metaphysical theories, logic and arguments.

Do not simply believe based on a point of view or inference.

Do not simply believe based on ones own reflecting on reasons.

Do not simply believe based on acceptance of a statement as true because it agrees with a theory of which one is already convinced.

Do not simply believe based on grounds of competence or reliability of a person.

Do not simply believe out of respect, thinking, ‘our teacher says thus and thus …’