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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