Namo tassa Baghavato, Arahato, Samma, Sambuddhasa

Thus have I heard: Once the Exalted One was journeying in Kosala, accompanied by a number of the Order of Brethren., and reached Kesaputta. a district of the Kosalans. Now the Kalamas of Kesaputta heard the rumour that Gautama, the Sakyan's son, who went forth (as a wanderer) from the Sakyan clan, had come to Kesaputta. Then concerning Gautama, that Exalted One, there was proclaimed this good report: 'Tis he, the Exalted One, the Arahat, the Perfectly Enlightened One, he who is endowed with knowledge and right conduct, the Happy One, the Knower of the worlds, the Charioteer of beings ready to be tamed, the Teacher of devas [heavenly beings] and Mankind, the Buddha the exalted One! …He preaches a teaching that is good in its beginning, in its middle, and in its ending: both in its spirit and in its letter entirely perfected and purified does he set forth the holy life. Good indeed the sight of such an Arahat as that! "

Then the Kalamas of Kesaputta came to the Exalted One and said: 'Sir, certain recluses and Brahmins come to Kesaputta. As to their own view, they expound it and proclaim it in full: but as to the view of others, they abuse it, revile it, depreciate it, and cripple it. Moreover, sir, other recluses and Brahmins, on coming coming to Kesaputta, do likewise. When we listen to them, sir we have doubt and wavering as to which of these worthies is speaking truth and which speaks falsehood'.

'Well may you doubt, Kalamas; well may you waver; for your wavering arises about a matter that is open to doubt. Now, Kalamas, do not be misled by report or tradition or hearsay. Do not be misled by proficiency in, and the authority of, the Scriptures, nor by mere logic or inference, nor after considering reasons, nor after reflection on and approval of some theory, nor because it fits becoming, nor out of respect for the teacher. But, Kalamas, when you know for yourselves: these things are unprofitable, these things are blameworthy, these things are censured by the intelligent; these things, when performed and undertaken, conduce to loss and sorrow, then indeed should you reject them, Kalamas ...

But if at any time you know for yourselves: these things are profitable, they are blameless, they are praised by the intelligent: these things, when performed and undertaken, conduce to profit and happiness, then, Kalamas, you should accept them and live by them'.