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.
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
Hear ye all this moral maxim, and having heard it keep it well: Whatsoever is displeasing to yourselves never do to another.
—Buddhist Teaching
Evil he overcame by righteousness.
—Nagasena (2nd c.BCE) Buddhist Intellectual
I would like to explain the meaning of compassion, which is often misunderstood. Genuine compassion is based not on our own projections and expectations, but rather on the rights of the other: irrespective of whether another person is a close friend or an enemy, as long as that person wishes for peace and happiness and wishes to overcome suffering, then on that basis we develop genuine concern for his or her problem. This is genuine compassion. Usually when we are concerned about a close friend, we call this compassion. This is not compassion; it is attachment. Even in marriage, those marriages that last only a short time do so because of attachment—although it is generally present—but because there is also compassion. Marriages that last only a short time do so because of a lack of compassion; there is only emotional attachment based on projection and expectation. When the only bond between close friends is attachment, then even a minor issue may cause one’s projections to change. As soon as our projections change, the attachment disappears—because that attachment was based solely on projection and expectation. It is possible to have compassion without attachment—and similarly, to have anger without hatred. Therefore we need to clarify the distinctions between compassion and attachment, and between anger and hatred. Such clarity is useful in our daily life and in our efforts towards world peace. I consider these to be basic spiritual values for the happiness of all human beings, regardless of whether one is a believer or a nonbeliever.
—The 14th Dalai Lama (b.1935) Tibetan Buddhist Religious Leader, Civil Rights Leader, Philosopher, Author
Cultivate equanimity.
—Buddhist Teaching
Always give in charity to people of good conduct.
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
Creatures of every variety were moved one toward another lovingly; fear and terror altogether put away, none entertained a hateful thought; the Angels, foregoing their heavenly joys, sought rather to alleviate the sinner’s sufferings.
—Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king
Even a king may be full of trouble; but a common man, who is holy, has rest everlasting.
—Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king
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
Think of all sentient beings as thy children.
—Buddhist Teaching
You will generously follow the impulse of pity, I hope.
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
Thus he lives as a binder together of those who are divided, an encourager of those who are friends, a peace-maker, a lover of peace, impassioned for peace, a speaker of words that make for peace.
—Buddhist Teaching
May I be thoroughly imbued with benevolence, and show always a charitable disposition, till such time as this heart shall cease to beat.
—Buddhist Teaching
A friend to all creatures in the world.
—Buddhist Teaching
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.
—Buddhist Teaching
Worship consists in fulfilling the design (of the person honored), not in offerings of perfumes, garlands, and the like.
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
Spotless even as the moon, pure, serene, and undisturbed.
—Buddhist Teaching
May I obtain wealth, and … may the wealth … obtained by me be for the benefit of others.
—Buddhist Teaching
How indifferent he was to his own welfare! How intolerant of the suffering of others.
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
Your evil thoughts and evil words but hurt yourself.
—Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king
Should those who are not with us, O Brethren, speak in dispraise of me, or of my doctrine, or of the church, that is no reason why you should give way to anger.
—Buddhist Teaching
We live in illusion and the appearance of things. There is a reality. We are that reality. When you understand this, you see that you are nothing, and being nothing, you are everything. That is all.
—Kalu Rinpoche (1905–89) Tibetan Buddhist Religious Leader, Scholar, Teacher
Better than sovereignty over the earth, better than going to heaven, better than lordship over all worlds, is the reward of the first step in holiness.
—The Dhammapada Buddhist Anthology of Verses
For if virtue flags and folly rules, what reverence can there be … for a high name or boast of prowess, inherited from former generations?
—Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king
He who offends an offenseless man, … against such a fool the evil reverts, like fine dust thrown against the wind.
—Buddhist Teaching
That thou mayst know What others will not that I love thee most Because I loved so well all living souls.
—Edwin Arnold (1832–1904) English Poet, Journalist, Editor
Who that clings to Righteousness should be in fear of death?
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
Use no perfume but sweetness of thoughts.
—Buddhist Teaching
He identified himself with all beings.
—The Jataka Tales Genre of Buddhist Literature
The body may wear the ascetic’s garb, the heart be immersed in worldly thoughts: … the body may wear a worldly guise, the heart mount high to things celestial.
—Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king
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