As opposed to the majority of religions and philosophies Buddhism does not seek to give answers to the Great Questions directly to those who seek them. To some, this may be disapointing, but to those bent toward Buddhism the challange of discovering the universal Truths for one's self is quite invigorating. Knowing that the answers lie within, and not out in the words or books of other men and women [ finish me later ]
The following is taken from Dr. Alan Sponberg's class: Introduction to Buddhism. See the bottom of the "author/credits" page for a link to his site.
The Kalamans were beset by a seemingly modern problem: ethical pluralism, or multicultural relativism.
How is one to find a source of meaningfulness in life, a source of ethical guidance, when confronted with a welter of competing ideologies and view points?
Buddha’s Reply:
“Yes, Kalamans, it is proper that you have doubt, that you have perplexity, for a doubt has arisen in a matter which is doubtful.”
"Do not be misled by [or “satisfied with”] reports, or tradition, or hearsay. Be not misled by the authority of religious texts, nor by mere logic or inference, nor by considering appearances, nor by the delight in speculative opinions, nor by what appears possible, nor by the idea: 'this is (the words of) our teacher.'
"But, O Kalamans, when
you know for yourselves that certain things are unskillful, and wrong,
and bad, then give them up. . . and when you know for yourselves that
certain things are skillful and good, then accept them and follow them."
Whatever gives rise to greed (lust), hatred and delusion:
That is unskillful, unwholesome, unprofitable.
Whatever gives rise to the absence of greed, hatred and delusion
That is skillful, wholesome,
profitable.