The Fallacy of Secret Knowledge

Some Buddhists are uncomfortable with the core message of the Kalama Sutta, which promotes freedom of inquiry and skepticism, even towards the Buddha’s teachings. The sutta challenges the authority of both the Buddha and the Buddhist establishment, which makes it difficult for some conservative Buddhists to fully accept. To avoid the radical implications of this sutta, they often reinterpret it in a way that feels safer and more aligned with traditional authority.

In a recent debate with a member of a Buddhist group, I faced criticism for referencing the Buddha’s famous invitation of “Come and see” (ehipassiko). While the Kalama Sutta clearly advises against blindly appealing to authority, this individual argued for a “suspension of disbelief.” His reasoning was that we are spiritually immature and, therefore, not in a position to question teachings. He said:

A degree of suspension of disbelief is absolutely necessary. There will be no doubt in the end, because you will experience it for yourself. But until you reach that level of realization, you have to trust the teachings. Otherwise, you’re not practicing Buddhadharma and you won’t attain enlightenment. The idea that one should only believe what ‘feels right’ is just another example of Western hubris and arrogance.