Secular Buddhism 90 - Ultimate Authority
Jan 29, 2019
Exploring the idea of ultimate authority and the tendency to rely on external sources. Reflecting on misattributed quotes and the lack of trust in ancient teachings. Emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself and the power of personal beliefs. Discussing how Buddhist concepts can resonate on a personal level.
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Quotes Mutate And Gain False Authority
- Popular quotes often mutate from original sources and gain authority by attribution rather than accuracy.
- Questioning provenance reveals how easily ideas become misattributed and accepted.
Verify Quotes Before Repeating Them
- Avoid treating unattributed or popularized lines as exact historical quotes.
- Verify sources and remain skeptical before assigning them special weight.
Translations Are Not Perfect Authority
- Translations and oral transmission make ancient teachings unreliable as verbatim authority.
- Relying on translated scriptures doesn't remove the need for personal verification.