Canonical Reference: Kesamutti Sutta (Kalama Sutta) Verified Source

“Do not go upon what has been acquired by repeated hearing; nor upon tradition; nor upon rumor; nor upon what is in a scripture... When you know for yourselves that these things are moral and blameless, praised by the wise, undertaken and observed, lead to welfare and happiness — enter upon and abide in them.”

— Gautam Buddha
The Awakened One, Founder of Dhamma
Historical Setting & Context:

Pali Canon: Anguttara Nikaya 3.65 (Kalama Sutta). The foundational discourse on rational inquiry, freedom of thought, and experiential ethics.