How to seek the truth wisely?

A summary of the Kalama Sutta (The Charter on 

Free Inquiry), which offers guidelines on seeking the 

truth wisely: 

Once, in the Buddha’s time, He came across the village of the Kalamas. The Kalamas were among the smartest and most intellectual people in India. Together, they went to ask the Buddha, “How do we know what you teach is true? All the other spiritual teachers (there were more than 60 religious beliefs then) who came by claim that only what they alone teach is true, that what all others teach is untrue.”

To that, the Buddha smiled gently and replied, “ 

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

2. Do not follow tradition blindly merely because it has been practised in that way for many generations. 

3. Do not be quick to listen to rumours. 

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

5. Do not foolishly make assumptions. 

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

7. Do not be fooled by outward appearances. 

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

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

10. Do not be convinced of anything out of respect and reference to your spiritual teachers. 

You should go beyond opinion and belief. You can rightly reject anything which when accepted and practised, leads to more anger (aversion), more greed (craving) and more delusion (ignorance). The knowledge that you are angry, greedy or deluded does not depend on either belief or opinion. Remember that anger, greed and delusion are things universally condemned. They are not beneficial and are to be avoided. Conversely, you can accept anything which when accepted and practised leads to unconditional love, contentment and wisdom. These qualities allow you time and space to develop a happy and peaceful mind. Therefore, the wise praise unconditional love, contentment and wisdom. 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.”

Hearing that, the Kalamas were pleased, and with an open heart and mind, having embraced the spirit of free enquiry, listened and questioned to clarify their doubts, and wholeheartedly accepted the teachings of the Buddha.

Namo Buddhaya