z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 04.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 278
278 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
III
has been handed down from one to another; do not go merely by subtleties of reasoning; do not go by subtleties of logic ; do not go by considerations based upon mere appearances ; do not go merely by agreeable beliefs and views ; do not go merely by the word of some ascetic or superior.
“Only when of yourselves you indeed know : ‘These things are insalutary ; these things are blameworthy ; these things are reprehended by the wise ; these things being done or attempted lead to ill-being and to suffering’—then, Kalamas, you should put them away.”
“Wonderful, Lord, most wonderful ! We go to Lord, the Blessed One, for refuge, and to his Teachings. As followers, Lord, may the Blessed One accept us, from this day henceforth long as life shall last, we take our refuge in you.”
The substance of the argument is plain. Before you accept anybody’s teachings as authoritative, do not go by the fact that it is contained in the scriptures, do not go by the subtleties of logic ; do not go by considerations based upon mere appearances ; do not go merely by the fact that beliefs and views preached are agreeable ; do not go merely because they look to be genuine; do not go merely by the fact that the beliefs and views are those of some ascetic or superior.
But consider whether the beliefs and views sought to be inculcated are salutary or insalutary, blameworthy or blameless, lead to well-being or illbeing.
It is only on these grounds that one can accept the teachings of anybody.