What is the one thing that sets Buddhism apart from

all other religions?

The freedom of enquiry

What is the one thing that sets Buddhism apart from

all other religions?

The freedom of enquiry

What is the one thing that sets Buddhism apart from

all other religions?

• Blind faith is not only not required, it is discouraged.

• Instead, questioning and investigating is encouraged, so that we can make our own informed decisions about the path we want to take for ourselves.

What is the one thing that sets Buddhism apart from

all other religions?

• Blind faith is not only not required, it is discouraged.

• Instead, questioning and investigating is encouraged, so that we can make our own informed decisions about the path we want to take for ourselves.

What is the one thing that sets Buddhism apart from

all other religions?

• Blind faith is not only not required, it is discouraged.

• Instead, questioning and investigating is encouraged, so that we can make our own informed decisions about the path we want to take for ourselves.

What is the one thing that sets Buddhism apart from

all other religions?

• Blind faith is not only not required, it is discouraged.

• Instead, questioning and investigating is encouraged, so that we can make our own informed decisions about the path we want to take for ourselves.

Kalama Sutta

The Buddha visited the village of Kesaputta and was greeted by the people who lived there : the Kalamas.

They told Him that many holy men and ascetics pass through their village, expounding their own teachings and disparaging the teachings of others.

The Kalamas asked the Buddha whose teachings they should follow.

Kalama Sutta

The Buddha visited the village of Kesaputta and was greeted by the people who lived there : the Kalamas.

They told Him that many holy men and ascetics pass through their village, expounding their own teachings and disparaging the teachings of others.

The Kalamas asked the Buddha whose teachings they should follow.

Kalama Sutta

The Buddha visited the village of Kesaputta and was greeted by the people who lived there : the Kalamas.

They told Him that many holy men and ascetics pass through their village, expounding their own teachings and disparaging the teachings of others.

The Kalamas asked the Buddha whose teachings they should follow.

Kalama Sutta

The Buddha visited the village of Kesaputta and was greeted by the people who lived there : the Kalamas.

They told Him that many holy men and ascetics pass through their village, expounding their own teachings and disparaging the teachings of others.

The Kalamas asked the Buddha whose teachings they should follow.

Kalama Sutta

Kesaputta is now called ‘Kesaria’, a small city in the state of Bihar, India.

A massive stupa was discovered in 1998 which is now thought to be the largest and tallest Buddhist stupa in the world.

Originally 150 ft. tall, it now stands at about 104 ft. which is still 1 foot taller than the famous Borobodur Stupa in Indonesia.

Kalama Sutta

Kesaputta is now called ‘Kesaria’, a small city in the state of Bihar, India.

A massive stupa was discovered in 1998 which is now thought to be the largest and tallest Buddhist stupa in the world.

Originally 150 ft. tall, it now stands at about 104 ft. which is still 1 foot taller than the famous Borobodur Stupa in Indonesia.

Kalama Sutta

Kesaputta is now called ‘Kesaria’, a small city in the state of Bihar, India.

A massive stupa was discovered in 1998 which is now thought to be the largest and tallest Buddhist stupa in the world.

Originally 150 ft. tall, it now stands at about 104 ft. which is still 1 foot taller than the famous Borobodur Stupa in Indonesia.

Kalama Sutta

Kesaputta is now called ‘Kesaria’, a small city in the state of Bihar, India.

A massive stupa was discovered in 1998 which is now thought to be the largest and tallest Buddhist stupa in the world.

Originally 150 ft. tall, it now stands at about 104 ft. which is still 1 foot taller than the famous Borobodur Stupa in Indonesia.

Kalama SuttaThe Buddha told them that it is right to doubt and to ask questions.

He did not say “do not believe the others, believe me”.

Instead, the Buddha taught them the proper way to discover the truth.

Thus, the Kalama Sutta is also known as the Buddhist “Charter of Free Enquiry”.

Kalama SuttaThe Buddha told them that it is right to doubt and to ask questions.

He did not say “do not believe the others, believe me”.

Instead, the Buddha taught them the proper way to discover the truth.

Thus, the Kalama Sutta is also known as the Buddhist “Charter of Free Enquiry”.

Kalama SuttaThe Buddha told them that it is right to doubt and to ask questions.

He did not say “do not believe the others, believe me”.

Instead, the Buddha taught them the proper way to discover the truth.

Thus, the Kalama Sutta is also known as the Buddhist “Charter of Free Enquiry”.

Kalama SuttaThe Buddha told them that it is right to doubt and to ask questions.

He did not say “do not believe the others, believe me”.

Instead, the Buddha taught them the proper way to discover the truth.

Thus, the Kalama Sutta is also known as the Buddhist “Charter of Free Enquiry”.

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama SuttaDo not rely on the following without further verification :

• Oral history or divine revelations

• Tradition

• Reports or rumours

• Scriptures or holy books• Logical reasoning• Philosophical reasoning

• Outward appearances

• One's own opinions

• Authorities or experts• One's own teacher

Kalama Sutta

Faith

• Blind faith - Dogmatic, unquestioning

• Wisdom faith - Receptive, enquiring

Kalama Sutta

Faith

• Blind faith - Dogmatic, unquestioning

• Wisdom faith - Receptive, enquiring

Kalama Sutta

Faith

• Blind faith - Dogmatic, unquestioning

• Wisdom faith - Receptive, enquiring

Kalama Sutta

Faith

• Blind faith - Dogmatic, unquestioning

• Wisdom faith - Receptive, enquiring

Kalama Sutta

Faith

• Blind faith - Dogmatic, unquestioning

• Wisdom faith - Receptive, enquiring

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

• Observe, analyze and test it out for yourself.

• Does it agree with reason?

• Will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?

• Will it lead to suffering or happiness for yourself and others?

• Will a wise person praise or disapprove of it?

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

• Observe, analyze and test it out for yourself.

• Does it agree with reason?

• Will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?

• Will it lead to suffering or happiness for yourself and others?

• Will a wise person praise or disapprove of it?

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

• Observe, analyze and test it out for yourself.

• Does it agree with reason?

• Will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?

• Will it lead to suffering or happiness for yourself and others?

• Will a wise person praise or disapprove of it?

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

• Observe, analyze and test it out for yourself.

• Does it agree with reason?

• Will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?

• Will it lead to suffering or happiness for yourself and others?

• Will a wise person praise or disapprove of it?

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

• Observe, analyze and test it out for yourself.

• Does it agree with reason?

• Will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?

• Will it lead to suffering or happiness for yourself and others?

• Will a wise person praise or disapprove of it?

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

• Observe, analyze and test it out for yourself.

• Does it agree with reason?

• Will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?

• Will it lead to suffering or happiness for yourself and others?

• Will a wise person praise or disapprove of it?

Kalama Sutta

The criteria for acceptance or rejection

If yes, then accept it and live up to it.

Kalama Sutta

The three things to avoid :

• Greed

• Hatred

• Delusion

These are the causes of harm to others and ourselves, and keep us from peace and happiness.

Kalama Sutta

The three things to avoid :

• Greed

• Hatred

• Delusion

These are the causes of harm to others and ourselves, and keep us from peace and happiness.

Kalama Sutta

The three things to avoid :

• Greed

• Hatred

• Delusion

These are the causes of harm to others and ourselves, and keep us from peace and happiness.

Kalama Sutta

The three things to avoid :

• Greed

• Hatred

• Delusion

These are the causes of harm to others and ourselves, and keep us from peace and happiness.

Kalama Sutta

The three things to avoid :

• Greed

• Hatred

• Delusion

These are the causes of harm to others and ourselves, and keep us from peace and happiness.

Kalama Sutta

The Four Divine Abidings *

• Loving-Kindness / Metta

• Compassion / Karuna

• Sympathetic joy / Mudita

• Equanimity / Upekkha

* Or the Four Brahma Viharas

Kalama Sutta

The Four Divine Abidings *

• Loving-Kindness / Metta

• Compassion / Karuna

• Sympathetic joy / Mudita

• Equanimity / Upekkha

* Or the Four Brahma Viharas

Kalama Sutta

The Four Divine Abidings *

• Loving-Kindness / Metta

• Compassion / Karuna

• Sympathetic joy / Mudita

• Equanimity / Upekkha

* Or the Four Brahma Viharas

Kalama Sutta

The Four Divine Abidings *

• Loving-Kindness / Metta

• Compassion / Karuna

• Sympathetic joy / Mudita

• Equanimity / Upekkha

* Or the Four Brahma Viharas

Kalama Sutta

The Four Divine Abidings *

• Loving-Kindness / Metta

• Compassion / Karuna

• Sympathetic joy / Mudita

• Equanimity / Upekkha

* Or the Four Brahma Viharas

Kalama Sutta

The Four Divine Abidings *

• Loving-Kindness / Metta

• Compassion / Karuna

• Sympathetic joy / Mudita

• Equanimity / Upekkha

* Or the Four Brahma Viharas

Kalama Sutta

Loving-Kindness / MettaThe desire for all sentient beings, unconditionally and without exception, to be well and happy.

Kalama Sutta

Compassion / KarunaThe desire for all sentient beings, unconditionally and without exception, to be free from suffering.

Kalama Sutta

Sympathetic joy / MuditaTo be happy and rejoice at the virtue, happiness and success of others.

Kalama Sutta

Equanimity / UpekkhaTo accept and be unaffected by the 8 Worldly Conditions :

Gain and lossHonour and disgracePraise and blamePleasure and pain

Kalama Sutta

Equanimity / UpekkhaTo accept and be unaffected by the 8 Worldly Conditions :

Gain and lossHonour and disgracePraise and blamePleasure and pain

Kalama Sutta

Equanimity / UpekkhaTo accept and be unaffected by the 8 Worldly Conditions :

Gain and lossHonour and disgracePraise and blamePleasure and pain

Kalama Sutta

Equanimity / UpekkhaTo accept and be unaffected by the 8 Worldly Conditions :

Gain and lossHonour and disgracePraise and blamePleasure and pain

Kalama Sutta

Equanimity / UpekkhaTo accept and be unaffected by the 8 Worldly Conditions :

Gain and lossHonour and disgracePraise and blamePleasure and pain

Kalama Sutta

The Four Assurances

1. If there is an after-life, there will be a good rebirth.

2. If there is no after-life, the present life will be happy and free from troubles.

3. If harm befalls an evil-doer (kamma), one will be safe from harm.

4. If no harm befalls an evil-doer (no kamma), one is still pure and happy.

Kalama Sutta

The Four Assurances

1. If there is an after-life, there will be a good rebirth.

2. If there is no after-life, the present life will be happy and free from troubles.

3. If harm befalls an evil-doer (kamma), one will be safe from harm.

4. If no harm befalls an evil-doer (no kamma), one is still pure and happy.

Kalama Sutta

The Four Assurances

1. If there is an after-life, there will be a good rebirth.

2. If there is no after-life, the present life will be happy and free from troubles.

3. If harm befalls an evil-doer (kamma), one will be safe from harm.

4. If no harm befalls an evil-doer (no kamma), one is still pure and happy.

Kalama Sutta

The Four Assurances

1. If there is an after-life, there will be a good rebirth.

2. If there is no after-life, the present life will be happy and free from troubles.

3. If harm befalls an evil-doer (kamma), one will be safe from harm.

4. If no harm befalls an evil-doer (no kamma), one is still pure and happy.

Kalama Sutta

The Four Assurances

1. If there is an after-life, there will be a good rebirth.

2. If there is no after-life, the present life will be happy and free from troubles.

3. If harm befalls an evil-doer (kamma), one will be safe from harm.

4. If no harm befalls an evil-doer (no kamma), one is still pure and happy.

Kalama Sutta

In summary :

• Avoid intolerance and dogmatism

• Be tolerant and open-minded!

• Avoid blind faith

• Question and investigate!

Kalama Sutta

In summary :

• Avoid intolerance and dogmatism

• Be tolerant and open-minded!

• Avoid blind faith

• Question and investigate!

Kalama Sutta

In summary :

• Avoid intolerance and dogmatism

• Be tolerant and open-minded!

• Avoid blind faith

• Question and investigate!

Kalama Sutta

In summary :

• Avoid intolerance and dogmatism

• Be tolerant and open-minded!

• Avoid blind faith

• Question and investigate!

Kalama Sutta

In summary :

• Avoid intolerance and dogmatism

• Be tolerant and open-minded!

• Avoid blind faith

• Question and investigate!

Prepared by T Y Lee

www.justbegood.net