Karen,

The oft quoted saying is from the Kesaputtiya Sutta (popularly known as the Kaalaama Sutta) : A 3.65/1:188-193.

The exact quote is this:

Be not led by the thought: "This ascetic is our teacher." or alternately "Our ascetic is respectable."

The sutta is not a carte blanche for "free-thinking" but the Buddha is discussing what does not constitute valid sources of knowledge. The closing the sutta is especially important, often missed.

A more elaborate teaching is found in the Apannaka Sutta (M 60), which is a sort of Buddha's answer to Pascal's wager (before the fact).

Sukhi

Piya


--- keren_arbel <keren_arbel@...> wrote:

> Where the Buddha is saying that we shouldn't beleive his words, but
>
> explore his teaching by ourselves.
> I heard this statement several times from meditation teachers, but I
>
> didn't find it in the texts.
> If anyone has a reference to this kind of statement, I will
> appreciate
> it.
> Have a peaceful day,
> Metta,
> Keren.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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