Freedom of thought in Buddhism

There can be seen lot of religions and philosophies preached by religious leaders in order to make people understand the reality of the person and world. As a result of holding many points of view based on above matters, there arose many religions and concepts years and centuries ago, known as religion of Judah, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and so on. Even if there can be seen some matters explained in different ways, it is easy to understand a similarity in every religions except Buddhism because of the freedom of thought.

The blessed one always said that “come and see” (ehi passiko) while other religious leaders were uttering that “come and believe”. According to Buddha’s point of view People are advised not to depend on others but you (atta dipā viharata anañña saranā).Buddhism gives priority to personal efforts and intelligence which is helpful to gain the real understanding on every matters. When talking about the freedom of thinking and questioning in Buddhism, it is very beneficial to examine the teachings of Lord Buddha included in Three Baskets. Especially here the most important one is kālāma sutta with regard to the freedom of thought in Buddhism. On a certain occasion Lord Buddha visited kesaputta village where kālāmas were living. Having heard that great arrival they went to see the Buddha and put a question on Him. “Venerable sir, many Brahmins, recluses and other religious leaders come to our village and preach their doctrine emphasizing that it is only the truth by condemning other’s doctrines. Therefore we are unable to identify what the real doctrine is”. Then Buddha advised them, in a way that was a remarkable occasion in religious history, not to accept anything basing on 10 fold famous matters except own intelligence. Those are,

Kālāmas, do not do believe something because it has been acquired by repeated hearing (Mā anussawena) ; nor because it is tradition (Mā paramparāya); nor because it is rumors (Mā itikirāya); nor because it is in scriptures (Mā pitakasampadānena);  nor because it is logical (Ma takkahetu); nor because it is a belief (Mā nayahetu); nor because it has been reasoned out (Mā ākāraparivitakkena); nor because of an inclination towards certain ideas ( Mā ditthinijjhānakkhantiyā); nor upon another's seeming ability (Mā babbarūpatāya) ; nor upon the thought, 'The monk is our teacher (Mā samano nogarū.

Apart from that in that very sutta Buddha asks kālāmas some doctrinal matters with the intention of giving freedom to decide according to their own wisdom.

The Buddha: "What do you think, Kālāmas? If greed, hatred, delusion appear in a mind of a man, will it be a benefit or harm?"
Kālāmas: "For his harm, Venerable Sir."
The Buddha: "What do you think, Kālāmas? Are these things good or bad?"
Kālāmas: "Bad, Venerable Sir"
The Buddha: "Blamable or not blamable?"
Kālāmas: "Blamable, Venerable Sir."
The Buddha: "Censured or praised by the wise?"
Kālāmas: "Censured, Venerable Sir."
The Buddha: Kālāmas, when you yourselves know: 'These things are bad; these things are blamable; these things are censured by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to harm and ill,' abandon them and if it is not accept them.

Even in this modern world there are many religions basically depending on beliefs owing to blind faith that harmful not only oneself but also the world.

Followers of such religions haven’t a space, right, and no one can question or argue with regard to the teachings and the teacher except believing. Fundamentals have been inserted into their minds by such religions, violating their right to think. If any follower question or argue the teaching or the teacher pertaining to particular religion he is sentenced to death by hanging or beheading. But there is nothing such a thing in Buddhism because of inviting everybody to come and see not only the teachings but also the teacher. When further consider the Buddha’s teachings there is a particular sutta belong to Majjima Nikhāya known as vīmansaka which asked community of monks and disciples to examine Buddha also with the intention of knowing whether the Buddha fully enlightened or not because of doubt that totally covers the way to emancipation.

“Vīmansakena bhikkhawe bhikkhunā parassa cetopariyāyaṃ ajānantena tathāgate samannesanā  kātabbā ‘sammāsambuddho vā no vā’ iti viññānāyāti.”

As a result of giving such an opportunity by Buddha himself to examine the enlightenment it is clear that the Buddha wanted to create a disciple who hold a vision as ‘I have no doubt, I understand and see’, instead of holding the common vision as ‘I believe’. Therefore it is clear that Buddha didn’t want to create any follower believes Him blindly.

According to the Mahāparinibbāna sutta, even in the presence of death Buddha asked community of monks many times, if you have any doubt about my teaching doesn’t worry, just ask. Because everyone was silent, Buddha asked for the second time if you remain silent for paying honor to me, tell your matter to a friend and let him ask me about doubtful matters on behalf of you.

On the whole, it can be said that there is no such a religion like Buddhism which gives an opportunity to think and ask question until doubts totally disappear from the mind of the devotee. There is no any particular statement emphasizing obligations or compulsion for accepting the doctrine preached by the Buddha. Therefore it can be said that Buddhism is not a religion based on unquestionable beliefs. 

Ven.Baddegama visuddhi thero.

BU/BP09/006