The Essence of Buddhism Part 8

But if others walk not righteously, we ought by righteous dealing to appease them: in this way, ... we cause religion everywhere to take deep hold and abide.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Who is a (true) spiritual teacher?

He who, having grasped the essence of things, ever seeks to be of use to other beings.

--Prasnottaramalika.

Tell him ... I look for no recompense--not even to be born in heaven--but seek ... the benefit of men, to bring back those who have gone astray, to enlighten those living in dismal error, to put away all sources of sorrow and pain from the world.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

I consider the welfare of all people as something for which I must work.--Rock Inscriptions of Asoka.

Then the man ... said to himself: "I will not keep all this treasure to myself; I will share it with others." Upon this he went to king Brahmadatta, and said: ... "Be it known to you I have discovered a treasure, and I wish it to be used for the good of the country."--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

The sorrow of others enters into the hearts of good men as water into the soil.--Story of Haritika.

With no selfish or partial joy ... they rejoiced.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

If thou see others lamenting, join in their lamentations: if thou hear others rejoicing, join in their joy.--Jitsu-go-kiyo.

My son, tell me thy sorrow, that it may become more endurable by partic.i.p.ation.--Nagananda.

Every variety of living creature I must ever defend from harm.--Ta-chw.a.n.g-yan-king-lun.

To think no evil and do none: on the contrary, to benefit all creatures.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

Let the wise man guard his thoughts, for they are ... very artful and rush wheresoever they list.--Dhammapada.

When thou seest righteousness, quickly follow it: when thou seest iniquity, instantly flee.--Jitsu-go-kiyo.

Like as the lotus is untarnished by the water, so is Nirvana by any evil dispositions.--Questions of King Milinda.

May I never, even in a dream, be guilty of theft, adultery, drunkenness, life-slaughter, and untruthfulness.--Attanagalu-vansa.

Spotless even as the moon, pure, serene, and undisturbed.--Vasettha-sutta.

Practice the most perfect virtue.--Udanavarga.

To attain perfection that he may profit others.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

The present is an imperfect existence: ... I pray for greater perfection in the next.--Inscription in Temple of Nakhon Vat.

Fulfil the perfection of long-suffering; be thou patient under ...

reproach.--Introduction to Jataka Book.

My duty is to bear all the insults which the heretics launch against me.--Buddhaghosa's Parables.

Silently shall I endure abuse, as the elephant in battle endures the arrow sent from the bow.--Dhammapada.

Let not the member of Buddha's order tremble at blame, neither let him puff himself up when praised.--Tuvataka-sutta.

The end of the pleasures of sense is as the lightning flash: ... what profit, then, in doing iniquity?--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Cultivate equanimity.--Nalaka-sutta.

Abhor dissimulation!--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

He speaks truth unmixed with falsehood.--Samanna-phala-sutta.

There is guilt (calling for repentance) in prevarication.--Patimokkha.

He that praises him who should be blamed, or blames him who should be praised, gathers up sin thereby in his mouth.--Kokaliya-sutta.

The member of Buddha's order should abstain from theft, even of a blade of gra.s.s.--Mahavagga.

From bribery, cheating, fraud, and (all other) crooked ways he abstains.--Tevijja-sutta.

The Scripture moveth us, therefore, rather to cut off the hand than to take anything which is not ours.--Sha-mi-lu-i-yao-lio.

Let him not, even though irritated, speak harsh words.--Sariputta-sutta.

From this day forth, ... although much be said against me, I will not feel spiteful, angry, enraged, or morose, nor manifest anger and hatred.--Anguttara-Nikaya.

Upright, conscientious and of soft speech, gentle and not proud.--Metta-sutta.

Even as the lily lives upon and loves the water, So Upatissa and Kolita likewise, Joined by closest bond of love, If by necessity compelled to live apart, Were overcome by grief and aching heart.

--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

(The true friend) forsakes you not in trouble; he will lay down his life for your sake.--Sigalovada-sutta.

In grief as well as in joy we are united, In sorrow and in happiness alike.

That which your heart rejoices in as good, That I also rejoice in and follow.

It were better I should die with you, Than ... attempt to live where you are not.

--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

When first I undertook to obtain wisdom, Then also I took on me to defend (the weak).

All living things of whatsoever sort Call forth my compa.s.sion and pity.

--Ta-chw.a.n.g-yan-king-lun.

Fault is not to be found unnecessarily--Ta-chw.a.n.g-yan-king-lun.

Judge not thy neighbor.--Siamese Buddhist Maxim.

What is it to you ... whether another is guilty or guiltless? Come, friend, atone for your own offense.--Mahavagga.

Even a king may be full of trouble; but a common man, who is holy, has rest everlasting.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.