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path to follow. In fact, we have lost faith in all the doctrines. We have heard that you are an enlightened Master. Can you tell us whom we
should believe and whom we should not? Who speaks the truth and who is merely spreading false doctrines?”
The Buddha answered, “I can understand why you have given rise to doubts. Friends, do not be hasty to believe a thing even if everyone
repeats it, or even if it is written in holy scripture or spoken by a teacher revered by the people. Accept only those things which accord with
your own reason, things which the wise and virtuous support, things which in practice bring benefit and happiness. Abandon those things
which do not accord with your own reason, which are not supported by the wise and virtuous, and which in practice do not bring benefit
and happiness.”
The Kalamas asked the Buddha to tell them more. He said, “Friends, suppose there is a person ruled by greed, anger, and ignorance.
Will his greed, anger, and ignorance bring him happiness or suffering?”
The people answered, “Master, greed, anger, and ignorance will cause such a person to commit acts that bring suffering to himself and
others.”
“Is living by greed, anger, and ignorance supported by the wise and virtuous?”
“No, Master.”
The Buddha continued, “Take the example of someone who lives according to loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and
equanimity, who makes others happy by relieving their suffering, who rejoices over the good fortune of others, and who treats others
without discrimination. Will such qualities bring that person happiness or suffering?”
“Teacher, such qualities will bring happiness to the person and to all those around him.”
“Are loving kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity supported and encouraged by the wise and virtuous?”
“Yes, Master.”
“My friends, you are already qualified to discern which things to accept and which things to discard. Believe and accept only those things
which accord with your own reason, those things which are supported by the wise and virtuous, and those things which in practice bring
benefit and happiness to yourselves and others. Discard things which oppose these principles.”
The Kalama youth were encouraged by the Buddha’s words. They saw that his teaching did not require unconditional faith. The
Buddha’s way truly respected freedom of thought. Many of the Kalamas asked to be accepted by the Buddha as disciples that day.