The Buddha and His Teaching
Buddhism is a major world religion. It attracts interest all over the world. Today observant Buddhists are found all over the world. The Buddha or the Enlightened One, was born Siddhartha—the son of the royal Sakya clan—in India during the sixth century BCE. Prince Siddhartha was unsatisfied with the luxury and splendor of palace life. Seeking inner peace and deeper happiness he became a wandering ascetic. He sought the guidance of the leading spiritual teachers of his day yet did not find the path to the goal through such teachings. He came to reflect on his own experience and practices and realized through contemplation the Middle Path and realized the goal of Nibbana—perfect inner peace and happiness.
The teachings of the Buddha transcend time, place and culture. They are particularly resonant today. The Buddha is not a savior but a guide or teacher. In the Buddha’s own words: “You do your work. The Buddhas only show the way.” A human can decide his own destiny according to the Buddha. “Be a refuge unto yourself” he instructed. The Buddha’s discussion with the Kalamas of the small town of Kesaputta sets out in clear and simple terms an important aspect of his teachings:
‘Sir, There are some recluses and Brahmins who visit Kesaputta. They explain and illumine their own doctrines, and despise, condemn and spurn others’ doctrines. Then come other recluses and Brahmins, and they too, in turn, explain and illumine only their own doctrine, and despise, condemn and spurn others’ doctrines. But, for us, Sir, we have always doubt and perplexity as to who among these venerable recluses and Brahmins spoke the truth, and who spoke falsehood.’
Then the Buddha gave them this advice, unique in the history of religions:
‘Yes, Kalamas, it is proper that you have doubt, that you have perplexity, for a doubt has arisen in a matter which is doubtful. Now, look you Kalamas do not be led by reports, or tradition, or hearsay. Be not led by the authority of religious texts, nor by mere logic or inference, nor by considering appearances, nor by the delight in speculative opinions, not by seeming possibilities, nor by the idea: ‘this is our teacher.’ But, O Kalamas, when you know for yourselves that certain things are unwholesome, and wrong and bad then give them up…and when you know for yourselves that certain things are wholesome, and good then accept them and follow them.’
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