The Essential Points of the Kalama Sutra
"It is
essential to doubt, to question all things deeply, to inquire, examine, inspect
and experiment.”
“Do not rely on what another says, be they a friend, a monk, a respected teacher
or even a sage.”
“Do not rely on what tradition implies, mainstream culture dictates or what
scripture may state.”
“Do not rely on comforting beliefs born of favorable ideas, traditional views,
logical reflection, careful analysis or deep pondering.”
“Only when you know directly - having put them to the practical test of free and
active inquiry, of living, dynamic embodiment and experience - 'these things are
destructive; when enacted they lead to harm', then abandon them. And - 'these
things are liberating; when enacted they lead to emancipation', then abide in
them.
“Come to know directly - through the crucible of your own individual life - the
truth that certain actions, thoughts and feelings lead to suffering - your own
and that of other beings - then your vision will become clear.“
“Awakened Beings, with purified minds and harmonious of thought, word and deed,
are those through whom boundless, panoramic dynamic peace is manifest in every
event, in every moment and in every place.”
“Awakened Beings are complete, in need of no hereafter, and their Awakening
precipitates the Awakening of sentient beings all around them.”