In a church bulletin I once read, there was a piece of advice that stuck with me: “Believe nothing merely because it’s been told to you, or because it’s traditional, or because you imagined it. Believe only what contributes to the good and benefits all.” This wisdom was attributed to Buddha, though the context of his words—aimed at monks training for enlightenment—was often overlooked.
Those who seek moral guidance from misinterpreted Eastern wisdom often miss a crucial point: in the East, respect for tradition and authority is foundational. The quote above highlights a common misunderstanding about what is preached versus what is practiced. True enlightenment, whether in the East or West, harmonizes with reason.
The misconception that reason can exist without tradition is a modern Western bias. In contrast, Eastern cultures emphasize disciplined training of both mind and perception from an early age. Historically, many in the Far East did not face the challenges of untrained minds and eyes. Just as with some of our liberal and progressive thinkers today, ignoring the basics of perception can lead to a shallow understanding of character.
In America, the failure to address the education of discerning what is beneficial versus harmful has been largely ignored, a consequence of Progressive Education. Without trained eyes and minds, one cannot distinguish between genuine insights and mere illusions. This lack of discernment increases the risk of pursuing what is not truly needed, potentially leading to harm.
When individuals are encouraged to rely solely on their own judgment for significant decisions, they may confuse personal desires with reality. How can one be sure that their thoughts haven’t been influenced by others seeking to exploit their weaknesses or fears? This confusion can easily lead to self-delusion, where autonomy becomes a trap.
The danger of acting on desires without wisdom is well known. Even those with natural insight can fall into harmful behaviors if their moral compass fails them. Instead of fostering well-being, misguided choices can lead to dire consequences, including violence.
One doesn’t need to study great moral philosophers to grasp that true actions beneficial to all do not arise from individual whims. Liberals who view humanity as inherently good may soon discover the harsh realities of moral responsibility when faced with the consequences of their beliefs.
Those who turn to feelings for moral direction often overlook that a genuine sense of right and wrong is instilled by responsible parenting from early childhood. They fail to recognize that personal desires do not always align with what is ethically right. Equating freedom with unchecked license and happiness with mere self-gratification reflects a weakened moral sense that disregards the welfare of others.
Lack of discipline in childhood can hinder one’s ability to resist harmful impulses. Over time, this deficiency can harden the conscience, blocking its natural role in guiding toward virtuous actions. It is vital for parents to teach their children the distinction between right and wrong, both in daily life and moral choices.
The discomfort some feel about deriving moral guidance from tradition stems from a belief that the past is irrelevant. However, morality, unlike ethics, remains constant despite changing times. Failing to grasp this connection obscures the unity between past, present, and future members of society, a bond that transcends temporal changes.
This understanding elevates morality beyond mere opinion, making it immune to the whims of legislation, executive orders, and judicial rulings—the very reason for the freedom of religion enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
By nature, humans often struggle with recognizing good and evil in their actions. Upholding moral imperatives that surpass secular and political boundaries fosters an inner strength that protects against becoming subservient to those in power.
