The Kalama Sutta, a discourse in the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism, emphasizes the importance of personal experience and rational inquiry in spiritual matters. It urges not to follow teachings blindly but to adopt qualities that lead to welfare and happiness, as recognized through personal understanding and the commendation of the wise.
by inference, by analogies, by agreement through pondering views, by probability,
or by the thought, "This contemplative is our teacher."
"These qualities are unskillful;
these qualities are blameworthy;
these qualities are criticized by the wise;
these qualities, when adopted and carried out,
lead to harm and to suffering"
— then you should abandon them.
"These qualities are skillful;
these qualities are blameless;
these qualities are praised by the wise;
these qualities, when adopted and carried out,
lead to welfare and to happiness"
— then you should enter and remain in them.
Translated from the Pali by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.
In Mahayana Buddhism, the development of Bodhicitta - the mind of enlightenment - is central, with its key qualities being lovingkindness (metta), compassion (karuna), and wisdom (prajna). Let's explore how these three qualities align with the criteria set out in the Kalama Sutta:
- Skillfulness (Kusala):
- Lovingkindness (Metta): Lovingkindness refers to the wish for all beings to be happy. It is considered skillful because it purifies the mind of ill-will and hatred, leading to a peaceful and harmonious state of mind. This fosters positive interactions and relationships, contributing to personal and communal welfare.
- Compassion (Karuna): Compassion involves the wish for all beings to be free from suffering. It's skillful as it cultivates a deep sense of empathy and concern for others, reducing selfish tendencies and promoting altruistic behavior, which is beneficial for both the individual and society.
- Wisdom (Prajna): Wisdom in Buddhism is the understanding of the true nature of reality, particularly the insights into impermanence, non-self, and dukkha (suffering or unsatisfactoriness). Wisdom is skillful because it helps in overcoming ignorance and delusion, leading to the cessation of suffering and the realization of nirvana.
- Blamelessness (Avyapada):
- Lovingkindness and Compassion: Both are free from blame as they are devoid of harmful intentions and foster goodwill towards all beings, without discrimination or prejudice.
- Wisdom: Wisdom is blameless as it is based on clear seeing and understanding of reality as it is, without distortions. It leads to ethical conduct and the avoidance of actions that cause harm to oneself and others.
- Praised by the Wise: The qualities of lovingkindness, compassion, and wisdom are universally praised in Buddhist teachings across different traditions. They are extolled by enlightened beings, sages, and wise teachers for their role in fostering spiritual and moral development.
- Leading to Welfare and Happiness:
- Lovingkindness and Compassion: By cultivating a heart of lovingkindness and compassion, one contributes to a more empathetic and caring society. These qualities reduce conflict and promote understanding and peace, leading to the welfare and happiness of oneself and others.
- Wisdom: The cultivation of wisdom leads to the ultimate happiness in Buddhism, which is freedom from all forms of suffering. Understanding the impermanent and interdependent nature of all things helps in letting go of attachments, leading to inner peace and liberation.
The qualities of bodhicitta - lovingkindness, compassion, and wisdom - not only align with but also exemplify the criteria of skillfulness, blamelessness, being praised by the wise, and leading to welfare and happiness, as laid out in the Kalama Sutta. These qualities are foundational in the pursuit of spiritual growth and the attainment of enlightenment in Buddhism.