🪷 The Kalama Sutta — Faith Founded on Direct Seeing อ่านบทความภาษาไทย TH
For those who doubt, and do not believe easily
📖 The Story of the Sutta
The Kalama Sutta (Aṅguttara Nikāya 3.65) records an encounter between the Buddha and the people of Kesaputta, the Kalamas. At that time, many teachers and ascetics came through their town, each declaring that their doctrine alone was true while others were false. The Kalamas, confused and uncertain, asked the Buddha whom they should believe.
The Buddha replied that one should not believe merely because:
- it has been repeated through tradition,
- it is spoken in scriptures,
- it is taught by teachers or elders,
- it agrees with one’s habitual views,
- or because of respect for authority.
Instead, he urged them to investigate for themselves: when a teaching, when put into practice, leads to no harm, no blame, and to the welfare and happiness of oneself and others — then it is worthy to be accepted and lived by.
🌼 Why This Sutta Matters
The Kalama Sutta is remarkable because it does not encourage blind belief. Rather, it encourages critical inquiry and direct experience. This aligns with the principle of ehipassiko — “come and see for yourself.”
For those who are naturally skeptical, analytical, or unwilling to accept claims without evidence, this discourse shows that doubt itself is not an obstacle. When doubt motivates investigation and practice, it becomes a doorway to unshakable confidence grounded in wisdom.
“When you know for yourselves that these qualities are skillful, blameless, praised by the wise, and when adopted and carried out lead to welfare and happiness — then you should enter and remain in them.” — The Buddha (Kalama Sutta, AN 3.65)
🔎 Who This Sutta Speaks To
The Kalama Sutta speaks most directly to those who:
- question deeply and refuse to accept things on hearsay,
- seek reasoned understanding and evidence,
- want to ground faith in personal insight rather than tradition alone.
It reminds us that the path is not about suppressing doubt, but about transforming doubt into wisdom through practice and direct seeing.
🔖 From the Kalama Sutta, Aṅguttara Nikāya 3.65
Adapted as encouragement for those who doubt
👉 Return to Dhamma for the Quiet Path
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