The Religions Book

144

See also: Wisdom lies with the superior man 72–77 ■ Buddhas and bodhisattvas

152–57 ■ Man as a manifestation of God 188

I

n most religions, beliefs are

based on authority, whether

that of a particular leader,

a priestly class, or sacred texts.

People who accept these beliefs

may seek to defend them rationally,

while those who feel unable to

assent to the beliefs of their culture

may be branded as heretics.

Buddhism is different. It pays

great respect to Buddha and other

religious teachers, and some

Buddhist traditions make much of

the value of having a teacher with

a particular lineage or tradition.

However, the faith also values

debate and discussion; teachers

and intellectual convictions are

seen as only a starting point.

Buddha argued that people should

not take any of his teachings on

trust, but should test them out,

both rationally and also in terms

of personal experience.

Buddhist wisdom is therefore

acquired in three stages: from

teachers or by reading scriptures;

from personal reflection and thought;

and as a result of spiritual practice.

The third stage generally involves

meditation, the search for truth

and spiritual growth, and putting

Buddhist teachings into practice.

Early followers of Buddha

achieved enlightenment by seeking

understanding of his teaching, not

just by believing his word. Buddhism

still argues that beliefs should be

based on personal conviction and

experience, rather than simply

trusting external authority. ■

TEST BUDDHA’S

WORDS AS ONE

WOULD THE

QUALITY OF GOLD

IN CONTEXT

KEY SOURCE

The Pali Canon

WHEN AND WHERE

6th century BCE,

northern India

BEFORE

From 1000 BCE Traditional

Hindu thought is based on

Vedic texts and the teachings

of the brahmin priests.

6th century BCE Jains and

Buddhists reject the Vedas

and brahmins as authorities.

AFTER

From 483 BCE For more than

four centuries after his death,

the teachings of Buddha are

passed on by word of mouth

among his followers.

29 BCE A written collection

of Buddha’s teachings and

sayings is made at the Fourth

Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka.

12th century Zen Buddhists

reject the need for authoritative

scriptures of any sort.

Accept as completely true

only that which is praised

by the wise and which

you test for yourself

and know to be good

for yourself and others.

Buddha

THE PERSONAL QUEST FOR TRUTH