Information, Misinformation & Disinformation

With the constant bombardment of cyber information and print information. Much need to be said about the quality of these information. How are we to discern what are the truth, half-truth or mere lies. Are these really information, misinformation or disinformation.

More 2500 years ago, the Buddha gave a useful discourse called the Kalama Sutta. It is also called The Charter of Free Inquiry.

In this discourse, the wise teacher, Gautama Buddha passes through the village of Kesaputta and is greeted by the people who live there: the Kalamas. The Kalamas ask for advice.

According to the Kalamas, many holy men expounding their teachings and criticizing others. The Kalamas ask whose teachings they should follow. In response, he delivered this discourse.

Briefly, he advise the following:-

Ma anussavena.
Do not believe something just because it has been passed along and retold for many generations. [Simpler: Do not be led by what you are told.]

Ma paramparaya.
Do not believe something merely because it has become a traditional practice. [Do not be led by whatever has been handed down from past generations.]

Ma itikiraya.
Do not believe something simply because it is well-known everywhere. [Do not be led by hearsay, rumor or common opinion.]

Ma Pitakasampadanena.
Do not believe something just because it is cited in a text. [Do not be led by what the scriptures, print media, cyber info say]

Ma takkahetu.
Do not believe something solely on the grounds of logical reasoning. [Do not be led by mere logic or what seem to be logical.]

Ma nayahetu.
Do not believe something merely because it accords with your philosophy. [Do not be led by mere deduction or inference.]

Ma akaraparivitakkena.
Do not believe something because it appeals to "common sense". [Do not be led by considering only outward appearance.]

Ma ditthinijjhanakkhantiya.
Do not believe something just because you like the idea.

Ma bhabbarupataya.
Do not believe something because the speaker seems trustworthy/capable/expert.

Ma samano no garu ti.
Do not believe something thinking, "This is what our teacher says".

* When you yourselves know: "These things are good; these things are not blamable; these things are praised by the wise; undertaken and observed, these things lead to benefit and happiness," enter on and abide in them.'