Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.

Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed
down for many generations.

Do not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many.

Do not believe in anything simply because it is written in
your religious books.

Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.

But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conclusive to the good and benefit of and all, then accept it and live up to it.

Rely not on the teachers, but on the teaching.
Rely not on the words of the teaching, but on the spirit of the words.
Rely not on theory, but on experience


The Buddha

Words to live by. I try to never believe what I read. After I read something, I go about experiencing until I can prove or disprove it.

I am not a Buddhist..however
I agree...great words to live by.

Very true. This would be a different world if we did. Blessings..Miles

Nicely said Miles

Now, if folks actually followed that thought! :-)

Glad I am not part of that religion.Sounds like something Micheal moore would say.

Those who do generally remain in the shadows, both by choice and by force.

I am christian and I would agree. The catch is , much of what is in this doctrine is vague and easily applied to what most do believe. Most of our education and our faith(Whatever faith it is) are things we believe not SIMPLY because we heard it,, but because we heard it AND it seems to 'agrees with reason and is conclusive to the good and benefit of and all'. Reason, good, and benefit are all subjective enough terms that most beliefs could easily apply them.

Very true!

Why would such things bother you? Shouldn't everyone verify their information..or are we all to be sheep and blindly follow.
These are the words of the Buddha...he never told any one to follow him, he told them to seek their own truth..shouldn't we all do that...

imho that's basically good advice, but to me it's like a stop sign. Yes...you need to stop as a matter of course but there's no other guidance beyond just to stop and look both ways. Common senses yes, wisdom ? I'm not so sure...

but what do I know...

great post lady

I feel that ultimately we all have the answers for ourselves if we truly want to know..it's just not an easy path so some may give in rather quickly...
change can be challenging.

Thanks sista

I agree because I think my beliefs aren't just founded on what I've been told or what I've read, but rather they come from deep reflection and introspection, as well as taking the time to apply forethought about what I've experienced and observed so far...

Who's to say which paths are correct for anyone else but ourselves?

Yes, kudos on this post.

What is your advice on determining what to believe?

Maybe just whatever he's grown up with..many do that and never question...I guess it's natural to do that for some.

I don't believe a word your saying.

buddha would be proud of me. i believe nothing outside of what i experience.