#KalamaSutta

The Kalama Sutta, known in Thai as กาลามสูตร, is among the Buddha’s most influential teachings. It urges people to assess information and beliefs rather than blindly accepting them. For Thai high school students immersed in a flood of information—from social media, classrooms, and peers—this teaching remains essential.

Why is this ancient principle still relevant in modern Thailand? At its core, the Kalama Sutta teaches how to think, not what to think. The Buddha delivered this guidance to a community confused by contradictory claims, asking whom to trust. Rather than prescribing a single path, the sutta offers ten cautions against uncritical acceptance. It advises examining beliefs by their outcomes: if they harm, reject them; if they lead to good and happiness, consider adopting them.

The Kalama Sutta, or “กาลามสูตร” in Thai, stands as one of the most influential teachings by the Buddha, known for encouraging people not to blindly believe in information or beliefs without thoughtful consideration. For Thai high school students growing up in a world of overwhelming information—on social media, in the classroom, and from peers—understanding the Kalama Sutta is both empowering and essential.

Why does this ancient Buddhist principle remain relevant in modern Thailand? At its heart, the Kalama Sutta (as explained in sources such as Wikipedia and multiple other Thai dharma platforms) teaches us how to think, not what to think. The Buddha gave this teaching to the Kalama people, who were confused by contradictory spiritual teachers. Participating youth of the time wondered: “Whom should we believe?”