If they may cause by it the happiness of others, even pain is highly esteemed by the righteous, as if it were gain.--Jatakamala. When pure rules of conduct are observed, then there is true religion.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king. Wherein does religion consist? In (committing) the least possible harm, in (doing) abundance of good, in (the practice of) pity, love, truth, and likewise purity of life.--Pillar Inscriptions of Asoka. (Not superstitious rites, but) kindness to slaves and servants, reverence towards venerable persons, self-control with respect to living creatures, ... these and similar (virtuous actions are the rites which ought indeed to be performed.)--Rock Inscriptions of Asoka. The practice of religion involves as a first principle a loving, compassionate heart for all creatures.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king. Shall we in worshipping slay that which hath life? This is like those who practice wisdom, and the way of religious abstraction, but neglect the rules of moral conduct.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king. How can a system requiring the infliction of misery on other beings be called a religious system?... To seek a good by doing an evil is surely no safe plan.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king. Unto the dumb lips of his flock he lent Sad pleading words, showing how man, who prays For mercy to the gods, is merciless. --Sir Edwin Arnold. I then will ask you, if a man, in worshipping ... sacrifices a sheep, and so does well, wherefore not his child, ... and so do better? Surely ... there is no merit in killing a sheep!--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king. Nor [shall one] lay Upon the brow of innocent bound beasts One hair's weight of that answer all must give For all things done amiss or wrongfully. --Sir Edwin Arnold. Doing no injury to any one, Dwell in the world full of love and kindness. --Questions of King Milinda. Ministering to the worthy, doing harm to none, Always ready to render reverence to whom it is due. Loving righteousness and righteous conversation, Ever willing to hear what may profit another. --Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king. Scrupulously avoiding all wicked actions; Reverently performing all virtuous ones; Purifying his intention from all selfish ends: This is the doctrine of all the Buddhas. --Siau-chi-kwan. Instruct yourself (more and more) in the highest morality.--Nagarjuna's "Friendly Epistle." Cultivate compassion.--Visuddhi-Magga. May my thoughts, now small and narrow, expand in the next existence, that I may understand the precepts ... thoroughly, and never break them or be guilty of trespasses.--Inscription in Temple of Nakhon Vat. Religion he looks upon as his best ornament.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king. The sinner is never beautiful.--Lalita Vistara. Use no perfume but sweetness of thoughts.--Siamese Buddhist Maxim. Wealth and beauty, scented flowers and ornaments like these, are not to be compared for grace with moral rectitude!--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.