A Popular Dictionary of Buddhism
(1) There is no ‘authority’ in Bsm. in the sense of one who gives forth doctrine which must be accepted, or who gives authoritative explanation of doctrine. Each Buddhist is his own authority, in the sense that he must learn the Truth for himself, by study, self-discipline and practice. (2) No written teaching or scripture is authoritative in the sense of binding. See Buddha’s advice to Kālāmas.
(W. of Bsm. No. 22.) (3) So-called ‘authorities’ on Bsm. are authorities only in the sense that they translate the letter of the teaching and comment upon it. They are not necessarily competent to expound its spiritual meaning.
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