In a well-known teaching, the Buddha advised:
Do not believe in what you have heard
Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations;
Do not believe in anything because it is rumored and spoken of by many;
Do not believe merely because the written statement of some old sage is produced;
Do not believe in conjectures;
Do not believe merely in the authority of your teachers and elders.
After observation, and analysis, when it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all,
then accept it and live up to it
