What the Buddha had to say about tradition

From the Kalama sutta
Kalama Sutta another version
A look at the Kalama Sutta by Bhikkhu Bodhi
The Right to Ask Questions by Larry Rosenberg.

The Buddha provides ten specific sources which should not be used to accept a specific teaching as true, without further verification:

1. Oral history
2. Traditional
3. News sources
4. Scriptures or other official texts
5. Logical reasoning
6. Philosophical reasoning
7. Common sense
8. One's own opinions
9. Authorities or experts
10. One's own teacher

in more detail

*Do not accept anything on (mere) hearsay — (i.e., thinking that thus have we heard it for a long time).
*Do not accept anything by mere tradition — (i.e., thinking that it has thus been handed down through many generations).
*Do not accept anything on account of mere rumors — (i.e., by believing what others say without any investigation). Do not accept anything just because it accords with your scriptures.
*Do not accept anything by mere suppositions.
*Do not accept anything by mere inference.
*Do not accept anything by merely considering the reasons.
*Do not accept anything merely because it agrees with your pre-conceived notions.
*Do not accept anything merely because it seems acceptable — (i.e., thinking that as the speaker seems to be a good person his words should be accepted).
*Do not accept anything thinking that the ascetic is respected by us (therefore it is right to accept his word).


"But when you know for yourselves — these things are immoral, these things are blameworthy, these things are censured by the wise, these things, when performed and undertaken conduce to ruin and sorrow — then indeed do you reject them.

"When you know for yourselves — these things are moral, these things are blameless, these things are praised by the wise, these things, when performed and undertaken, conduce to well-being and happiness — then do you live acting accordingly."