Science and Buddhism III: Investigating Reality
By Ratnaprabha

How do you find out what is the case? Consider the criteria of the Kalama Sutta in which the Buddha provides a list of what he regards as unreliable sources of knowledge or advice:

  • something asserted repeatedly
  • tradition
  • hearsay
  • scriptural texts
  • sophistical reasoning
  • logical inference
  • prolonged consideration
  • getting carried away by a view that you identify with
  • indulgence in the pleasure of speculation
  • a person who makes a plausible impression
  • your respect for a spiritual teacher

None of these are reliable sources of knowledge. Instead, he says, ‘when you know of yourselves that these teachings are skilful, blameless, recommended by sensible people [viññugarahitā], and that followed through and practised they lead to welfare and happiness, then practise them and stick to them.’

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