Skepticism is a doubting or questioning attitude towards truth claims. It asks, “What is the evidence for this.” To paraphrase Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha): Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. Please note this is not a direct quote from the Kalama Sutta, but a paraphrase of it. It better expresses our modern rational view, but keeps to Siddhartha Gautama’s basic sentiments.



About Bodhidaoism:

Bodhidaoism is a personal non-religious worldview, built upon the foundations of philosophical naturalism and current scientific consensus, which combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism, and Humanism into a coherent and evidence-based philosophical system.



Books by Jay N. Forrest:

Jay is the author of a number of books. Help support the work of Bodhidaoism by buying his books.

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