[net.religion] Belief - a Buddhist perspective

isbell@marvin.DEC (Chris Isbell ) (04/30/84)

[]

A story paraphrased from the Buddhist scriptures...

The Buddha once visited a small town called Kesaputta in the kingdom of 
Kosala. The inhabitants of this town were known by the common name 
Kalama. When they heard that the Buddha was in their town, the Kalamas 
paid him a visit, and told him:
'Sir, there are some recluses and brahmanas who visit Kesaputta. They 
explain and illumine only their own doctrines, and despise, condemn and 
spurn others' doctrines. But, for us, Sir, we have always doubt and 
perplexity as to who among these venerable recluses and brahmanas spoke 
the truth, and who spoke falsehood.'

Then the Buddha gave them this advice...
'Yes Kalamas it is proper that you have doubt, that you have perplexity,
for a doubt has arisen in a matter which is doubtful. Now, look you
Kalamas, do not be led by reports or tradition, or hearsay. Be not led
by the authority or religious texts, nor by mere logic or inference, nor
by considering appearances, nor by delight in speculative opinions, nor
by seeming possibilities, nor by the idea: 'this is our teacher'. But, O
Kalamas, when you know for yourselves that certain things are
unwholesome and wrong, and bad, give them up... And when you know for
yourselves that certain things are wholesome and good, then accept them
and follow them.' 

In another story, the Buddha told his monks that they should examine the 
Buddha himself so that they might be fully convinced of the true value 
of the teacher who they followed.



			Chris Isbell.
		(...decvax!decwrl!rhea!marvin!isbell)