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Approval Quote by Gautama Buddha

“Without approval and without scorn, but carefully studying the sentences word by word, one should trace them in the Discourses and verify them by the Discipline. If they are neither traceable in the Discourses nor verifiable by the Discipline, one must conclude thus: 'Certainly, this is not the…” quote by Gautama Buddha
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“Without approval and without scorn, but carefully studying the sentences word by word, one should trace them in the Discourses and verify them by the Discipline. If they are neither traceable in the Discourses nor verifiable by the Discipline, one must conclude thus: 'Certainly, this is not the Blessed One's utterance; this has been misunderstood by that bhikkhu - or by that community, or by those elders, or by that elder.' In that way, bhikkhus, you should reject it.”

Gautama Buddha

About This Quote

Source Sutra: Samyutta Nikaya, 2nd century BCE

Discern authentic teachings by cross‑checking scriptures and discipline; reject untraceable statements.

In simple terms: Check scriptures, reject false teachings.

Key Takeaway

Verify sources.

Themes

religion scripture critical thinking authenticity discernment

Mood

inquisitive analytical

Type

religious philosophical

When to use this quote

  • monastic study
  • academic research
  • personal practice

Key Concepts

Buddhist doctrine philology scholarly method

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance tradition and inquiry?
  • When is doubt constructive?
A Different Perspective

Strict verification may stifle intuition.

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