Kalama Sutta

恭祝卫塞节

Happy Vesak Day

One of the most important Suttas in Buddhism is the Kalama Sutta. Although its was uttered by Lord Buddha to the people of Kalamas more than 2000 years ago, it still holds much relevance today. Below is the Kalama Sutta together with the story of how it came about.

Kalama Sutta

"Do not believe in anything (simply) because you have heard it"

"Do not believe in traditions, because they have been handed down for many generations"

"Do not believe in anything, because it is spoken and rumoured by many"

"Do not believe in anything, simply 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 conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it"

<<< - >>>

When the Buddha arrived at Kesaputta, a town of the Kalamas, the people surrounded the Buddha, saluting and exchanged courteous greetings with him. One of the Kalamas asked the Buddha "Lord, there are some priests who came to Kesaputta and expound and glorify their own doctrines, but at the same time they criticise, revile and disparage the doctrines of others. They leave us absolutely uncertain and in doubt as to which venerable priests are speaking the truth and which one is lying." The Buddha replied, "Of course you are uncertain, Kalamas. Of course you are in doubt. So don't go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scriptures, by inference or analogies. When you know yourselves that the contemplatives are blameworthy, criticised by the wise and which will lead to harm and suffering, then you should abandon them." He further asked, "When greed arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm? When aversion arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm? When delusion arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm?" To each of these questions, the Kalamas replied that it was for harm. He further said, "When you know yourselves that the contemplatives are blameless, praised by the wise and which will lead to welfare and happiness, then you should accept them." He then asked, "When lack of greed arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm? When lack of aversion arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm? When lack of delusion arises in a person, does it arise for welfare or for harm?" To these questions, the Kalamas answered for welfare.

Further reads:
BuddhaNet
Abhidhamma Vipassana
Buddha's World