The Essence of Buddhism

All beings desire happiness; therefore to all extend your benevolence.—Mahavamsa. Because he has pity upon every living creature, therefore is a man called "holy."—Dhammapada. Like as a mother at the risk of her life watches over her only child, so also let every one cultivate towards all beings a boundless (friendly) mind.—Metta-sutta. Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.—Udanavarga. I cannot have pleasure while another grieves and I have power to help him.—Jatakamala. With pure thoughts and fulness of love, I will do towards others what I do for myself.—Lalita Vistara. If you desire to do something pleasing to me, then desist from hunting forever! The poor poor beasts of the forest, being ... dull of intellect, are worthy of pity for this very reason.—Jatakamala. You will generously follow the impulse of pity, I hope.—Jatakamala. For that they hated this poor slender boy, That ever frowned upon their barbarous sports, And loved the beasts they tortured in their play, And wept to see the wounded hare, or doe, Or trout that floundered on the angler's hook. —Lloyd "Nichiren." Good men melt with compassion even for one who has wrought them harm.—Kshemendra's Avadana Kalpalata. Though a man with a sharp sword should cut one's body bit by bit, let not an angry thought ... arise, let the mouth speak no ill word.—Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king. Them who became thy murderers, thou forgavest.—Lalita Vistara. Overcome evil by good.—Udanavarga.