Buddha Quote

"Believe nothing merely because you have been told it.
Do not believe what your teacher tells you
merely out of respect for the teacher.
But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis,
you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit,
the welfare of all beings -- that doctrine believe and cling to,
and take it as your guide."

by:	Buddha [Gautama Siddharta] (563 - 483 BC), Hindu Prince, founder of Buddhism
Rating:
Categories:	Authority, Conscience, Education, Free Thought, Reason, Spiritual, Truth, Wisdom
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-- Anonymous, Reston, VA US
Excellent! A necessary piece of wisdom.  -- Thomas M McGovern, Jersey City, NJ      2
Absolutely! It takes courage to dare to think for oneself -- and to come to different conclusions than the staus quo.  -- E Archer, NYC      3
But whatsoever...you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings -- that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide. ************************************* I'd rather believe, cling to, and take as my guide the truth, whether it benefits anyone or not. You never gain any benefit by believing a lie.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA      2
I think that Ken Allyn is a dumbass...  -- D Weaver, Phoenix      1
I love this qoute and I don't think Ken is a dumbass. I will bet he is a born again christian though, actually now that I think of it, I guess the two things are the same.  -- Phil, Toronto
I have given 3 stars to this quote because the quote itself is very good but there are many good things which are some how associated with some great spiritual leaders. There is no way of knowing that the Honourable BUDDHA ever said this quote. If some one knows the reference from the religious books written by BUDDHA or his immidiate followers please mention that reference as well.  -- Aslam Chaudhry, Toronto, Canada
Helps us in charting newer paths, rather than following beaten tracks.  -- Dipten MISRA, Kolkata, INDIA
-- rachel toh
Hey, Phil in Toronto, Jesus taught that sort of thinking. Your bigoted statement shows that you interpret this quote as "whatever the 'man' says, I'm going to say the opposite so I can be thought of as cool and hip". Truth will bear itself out in the end. That's why Jesus could say "I am the ...truth". He knew that following him would lead one to be "kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings".  -- Ed, Cincinnati, Oh      1
My favorite Buddha quote is this: "Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it,unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense".  -- jim k, Austin, Tx      1
-- Allen, DC
One should never get all his information from one source.  -- cal, lewisville      2
Liberty Tree is making everyone think...and look at the hits. Religion is more popular to argue over than politics. And while it is an important subject, at this moment in time our thoughts must be on Liberty itself for it is hanging in a noose and the people are being slowly strangled. It is time to ask for divine intervention or get to work alone to save this country...we need new leadership asap....vote 2012, Restore America...or read about her in history books as a great experiment easily removed...as was her God.  -- Abby      2
Abby, extremely well said ! The statement is absolutely correct on its face. I could not agree more. As Ken references above, add truth to it and it starts to become complete. Not what is my truth or your truth - that's just a rationalization for comfort zone but rather, that which at natural law is.  -- Mike, Norwalk      3
For those interested in studying the origin of this quote, including its original source and full translation go to http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.065.than.html  -- adrian, Burlington
My Buddha quote above is applicable to both politics and religious beliefs. Even if you read it in the Bible, if it doesn't make sense, don't believe it. Man can only walk on water if it's frozen.  -- jim k, Austin, Tx      2
Many things are brought out during the age of the philosopher kings. Wise men and women for the good of the poor and needy, and tyrants also during that time. Think about Publius and the establishment of that first republic. Do not tax the needy was one of his first laws enacted. As also this hybrid nation, an experiment of democratic republicanism. To see how long it would take the enemy to corrupt this experiment of good for the people. The Federalist Papers contain nuts and bolts that help construct the case of constructive fraud against this current form of government. As also within the IRS codes the nuts and bolts of truth framed for our protection. Though swept under the rug, so to speak. Many things written afore time for our admonition and learning, that we might have comfort of the scriptures. Does the king tax his children or strangers ? Strangers of course, then the children are free. Written for our benefit no doubt. Adopted and framed within our Constitution these wise ancient doctrines of liberty and freedom. Where is it at, says the child, I have only heard of it. These doctrines of liberty and freedom. The preachers do not speak of it and they appear not to know. But over in the corner an ( honest ) man does declare, through the doctrine of rightly dividing the word of truth, liberty and freedom are clearly made to show. Now on this rock our republic rest, laid under the mighty Oak tree, our Constitution. Behind closed doors this doctrine was kept till those honest men separated from the denominational religious system brought it back to the pulpit. Written in sixth grade English is the old 66. So if you don't get it you probably have not been taught the whole truth. Doubting hearts never see clearly.  -- watchman 13, USA      2
I have seen this many times and the more I see it the more I agree with it! Divinity and religion has nothing to do with quote, it is merely a lesson being expressed. If you wish to change the status quo then you need to be the change - it is the only way; rhetorical lessons and expressions are good but action is what's needed today. Enough of words as they seem never to provide the change that's required. Do we learn from the history books? do we learn from pragmatic debate? do we learn from our elders? do we learn from our schools? the answer is a big NO. We make the same mistakes and make the same rhetoric, and if anything life has been regressive. Unless we individually have an epiphany for the good things will deteriorate and the quickening will be sooner than later.  -- Robert, Somewhere in the USA
I definitely understand Ken, Allyn's point. "Know ye the truth and the truth will set you free." But how do we ultimately determine truth? Or right? Or good? Yes, there are Bibles and scrolls, but ultimately it is a personal journey of conscience and the heart, for where else does one weigh the truth? If "after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings" I believe the truth is conducive of these attributes. The 'truth' may be eternal, but discerning it is still personal and individual. The willingness to be wrong goes a long way towards staying on 'the path.'  -- E Archer, NYC      2
Based on the quote, why should I believe the Buddha?  -- SCSURFR, La Mirada
SCSURFR, Buddha includes himself as a teacher. The quote absolutely still applies. "Don't take my word for it, do your own due diligence," is essentially the root message.  -- E Archer, NYC      1
An examined life is a valuable life.  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

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