Monday, Apr 12, 2010 This week’s Food for Thought – April 12, 2010

Do not believe a thing simply because it has been said.

Do not put your faith in traditions only because

They have been honored by many generations.

Do not believe a thing because the general opinion believes

It to be true or because it has been said repeatedly.

Do not believe a thing because of the single witness

Of one of the sages of antiquity.

Do not believe a thing because the probabilities are in its favor,

Or because you are in the habit of believing it to be true.

Do not believe in that which comes to your imagination,

Thinking that it must be the revelation of a superior Being.

Believe nothing that binds you to the sole

Authority of your masters or priests.

That which you have tried yourself, which you have experienced,

Which you have recognized as true,

And which will be beneficial to you and to others;

Believe that, and shape your conduct to it.

—Buddha