Kalama Sutta : The charter of free inquiry

The "kalama Sutta" clearly enunciates Buddha' s disapproval of blind Faith and secrecy. Here he urges critical investigation: 

The Kalamas, inhabitants of Kesaputta seated respectfully on one side, said to the blessed one; 

There are some recluses and priests who visit Kesaputta. While debating on their own doctrines, they despise, condemn and pull to pieces, the doctrines of others. There are other recluses and priests also, on coming to Kesaputta doing the same thing. Venerable sir, we are uncertain and we doubt as to which of these worthies speak truth and which falsehood. 

' well, Kalamas, you are justified in doubting, since doubt has arisen in something that is doubtful. Come, O Kalamas, do not be led by hearsay, nor by tradition, nor by reports, nor by scriptural injunction, nor by mere logic, nor by inference, nor by the appearances, nor by seeming possibilities, nor by the consideration:" this monk is our teacher". But , Kalamas, when you know for yourselves: "These are unwholesome, and blameworthy, unprofitable, and censored by the wise, and when acted upon, these lead to harm and misery", then do you reject them. 

What do you think, Kalamas, when greed, hate, delusion arises in man, does it arise to his gain or to his loss?' 

'To his loss,venerable sir'. 

'Kalamas, being given to greed, hate, delusion this man kills, steals, committe adultery, tells lies and prompts others also to do the same. Will this conduct bring him harm and misery?' 

'Yes it will, venerable sir.'

'What do you think, Kalamas, when the thought of refraining from greed, hate, delusion arises in a man, does it arise to his gain or to his loss?'

'To his gain, venerable sir'. 

'By not giving into, by not being overwhelmed and inwardly vanquished by greed, hate delusion, this man does not kill, does not steal, does not committ adultery, does not tell lies and prompts others to do the same. Will this conduct, for long, be for his benefit and happiness?' 

'For benefit and happiness, venerable sir'. 

'Therefore, as to my words spoken just now to you; Come, O Kalamas, do not be led by hearsay, nor by tradition, nor by reports, nor by scriptural injunction, nor by mere logic, nor by inference, nor by the appearances nor by seeming possibilities, nor by the cons ideration: "This monk is our teacher". But Kalamas, when you know for yourselves: " These things are unwholesome, and blameworthy, unprofitable and censored by the wise, and when acted upon, these lead to harm and misery", then do you reject them.' 

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