An Analytical Study of the Kalamasutta in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy and Its Application in Contemporary Society

Authors

  • Phra Anop Kovito (Yutlert) Mahamakut Buddhist University, Thailand
  • Phra Kwai Rung Panyavachiro Mahamakut Buddhist University, Thailand

Keywords:

Rule of Kalama Sutta, Theravada Buddhist Philosophy, Applying Currently

Abstract

            This research article has the following objectives: 1) to study the general beliefs, 2) to study the principles of Kalama Sutta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy, and 3) to analyze the value of the principles of Kalama Sutta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy in order to apply them in the present society. This research aims to study and research the principles of Kalama Sutta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy and analyze various issues according to the objectives set regarding the principles of Kalama Sutta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy.

            The research results found that general beliefs are: 1) Belief in nature, gods, spirits, religious teachings, and superstitions. Beliefs arise from doubt, fear, inheritance of power, and hope for good fortune. Current Thai society believes in traditions, culture, and social media. 2) Kalama Sutta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy is the teachings of the Lord Buddha to use reason and wisdom before deciding to believe. There are 10 principles: Do not believe because you claim to have heard it. Do not believe because you claim to have practiced it. Do not believe because you claim to be a rumor. Do not believe because you claim to have come from a book or scripture. Do not believe because you claim to be consistent with logic. Do not believe because you claim to be consistent with inference. Do not believe because you claim to have considered the symptoms. Do not believe because you claim that it is consistent with your own opinions or theories. Do not believe because you claim that the speaker looks credible. Do not believe because you claim that this monk is our teacher. The value of the Kalama Sutta in Theravada Buddhist philosophy 3) The value of promoting wisdom and traditional beliefs Human curiosity initially has its roots in human ignorance. Because of ignorance, one is suspicious. Because of doubt, one is curious. Because of curiosity, one seeks knowledge about the thing in question. The Kalama Sutta is a principle that teaches about using wisdom and reason before making a decision because beliefs that arise from doubt may be uncertain beliefs. Therefore, one must use judgment before believing. The Kalama Sutta says: Do not believe in what others hear. Believe that it is true by hearing what others hear.

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Published

2024-03-28

How to Cite

(Yutlert), P. A. K. ., & Panyavachiro, P. K. R. . (2024). An Analytical Study of the Kalamasutta in Theravāda Buddhist Philosophy and Its Application in Contemporary Society. Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Innovation, 1(1), 12–24. retrieved from https://so14.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/AJHSI/article/view/1700

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): January – March 2024

Section

Research Article

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