Buddhism Quote by Gautama Buddha
““Now, Kalamas, don’t go by reports, by legends, by traditions, by scripture, by logical conjecture, by inference, by analogies, by agreement through pondering views, by probability, or by the thought, ‘This contemplative is our teacher.’ When you know for yourselves that, ‘These qualities are skillful; these qualities are blameless; these qualities are praised by the wise; these qualities, when adopted & carried out, lead to welfare & to happiness’ — then you should enter & remain in them. [ Kalama Sutta, AN 3.65 ]””
About This Quote
Source Sutta: Kalama Sutta, AN 3.65, Buddhist scripture
Encourages personal verification of teachings through direct experience and moral quality rather than authority or tradition.
In simple terms: Test teachings by their ethical impact, not by source.
Key Takeaway
R on, verify qualities that lead to welfare.
Themes
critical thinking
ethics
personal responsibility
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- spiritual practice
- education
- decision making
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the moral quality of a belief?
- What evidence supports a teaching's benefit?
A Different Perspective
May overlook cultural context and communal wisdom.
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