Do Not Simply Believe

Do not simply believe what you hear

just because you have heard it for a long time.

Believe nothing on the faith of traditions,

even though they have been held in honour

for many generations and in diverse places.

Do not believe a thing because many people speak of it.

Do not confirm anything just because

it agrees with your scriptures.

Do not be fooled by outward appearences.

Do not believe what you yourself have imagined,

persuading yourself that a God inspires you.

Do not accept as fact anything that you

yourself find to be logical.

Believe nothing on the sole authority of

your masters and priests.

But whatever, after due examination and analysis,

you find to be kind, conducive to the good,

the benefit, the welfare of all beings-that doctrine

believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.