May I never do, nor cause to be done, nor contemplate the doing of, even the most trivial sin!—­Attanagalu-vansa (conclusion).

Let not one who is asked for his pardon withhold it.—­Mahavagga.

’T is wrong to conquer him who sues for mercy.—­Lalita Vistara.

Let none out of anger or resentment wish harm to another.—­Metta-sutta.

Let us then live happily, not hating those who hate us.  In the midst of those who hate us, let us dwell free from hatred.—­Dhammapada.

For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by love; this is an old rule.—­Dhammapada.

(To the) self-reliant there is strength and joy.—­Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Let him not grieve for that which is lost.—­Attadanda-sutta.

Not from weeping or grieving will any obtain peace of mind.—­Salla-sutta.

At first my sorrowing heart was heavy; but now my sorrow has brought forth only profit.—­Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Give to him that asketh, even though it be but a little.—­Udanavarga.

He delights in giving so far as he is able.—­Questions of King Milinda.

Your guileless heart loves to exercise its charity.—­Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Always intent on bringing about the good and the happiness of others.—­Jatakamala.

Earnestly practice every good work.—­Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

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.