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.’
Read the rest of the article here or on Ratnaprabha's website.