There is a quote, commonly attribute to Buddha, that is still popular in “New Age” circles, and it goes something like this: “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it — even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense” … On its face this admonition seems harmless enough, and yet when put into practice, it provides a ready excuse for its adherents to fall into patterns of selfishness & superficiality; provides a ready rationalization for any deed we might engage or belief we might purport that puts ourselves above others.

Of course, for those who have studied the earliest Buddhist texts — and for those who have embodied the humility of the deepest Buddhist teachings, this quote is known to be filled with untruth — as misleading as it is comfortable.

So it maybe comes as little surprise to rediscover that Buddha in all likelihood never said such a thing — that his more authentic words ring quite differently; shining of Compassion over callousness and service over self-focus.

Consider his more accurate exultation:
“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But, after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason AND IS CONDUCIVE TO THE GOOD AND BENEFIT OF ALL, then accept it and live up to it.” ~ Buddha

Amen … Let it be so.

 

Filed under: Reconciling the Religions by Scaughdt