The Essence of Buddhism Part 9

This world is afflicted with death and decay; therefore the wise do not grieve, knowing the terms of the world.--Salla-sutta.

Who that clings to Righteousness should be in fear of death?--Jatakamala.

Ye, then, my followers, ... give not way ... to sorrow; ... aim to reach the home where separation cannot come.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Loving and merciful towards all.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Filled with universal benevolence.--Fa-kheu-pi-u.

A friend to all creatures in the world.--Saddharma-pundarika.

Bent on promoting the happiness of all created beings.--Lalita Vistara.

Conquer thy greediness for sensual pleasures.--Jatukannimanavapuccha.

Therefore should we encourage small desire, that we may have to give to him who needs.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Justly I seek for riches, and having sought for riches justly, I give of my ... justly acquired wealth to one, to two, to three, ... to a hundred.--Magha-sutta.

They sought their daily gain righteously; no covetous, money-loving spirit prevailed; with pious intent they gave liberally; there was not a thought of any reward.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

There is in charity a proper time and a proper mode.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Better would it be to swallow a red-hot iron ball than that a bad, unrestrained fellow should live on the charity of the land.--Dhammapada.

Our duty to do something, not only for our own benefit, but for the good of those who shall come after us.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

Have respect for the aged as though they were thy father and mother; love the young as thy children or younger brethren.--Jitsu-go-kiyo.

All the people were bound close in family love and friends.h.i.+p.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Happy ... is the man that honors his father: he also that honors his mother is happy.--Udanavarga.

How should I be capable of leaving thee in thy calamity?... Whatever fate may be thine I am pleased with it.--Jatakamala.

He is my husband. I love and revere him with all my heart, and therefore am determined to share his fate. Kill me first, ... and afterwards do to him as you list.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

A heart bound by affection does not mind imminent peril. Worse than death to such a one is the sorrow which the distress of a friend inflicts.--Jatakamala.

This good man, moved by pity, gives up his life for another, as though it were but a straw.--Nagananda.

Sprinkle water on the seeds of virtue.--Story of Pratiharyya.

The fool thinks himself alone and commits sin. But I know of no lonely place at all.... Of a bad action my "Self" is a witness far more sharp-sighted than any other person.--Jatakamala.

What has been designated "name" and "family" ... is but a term.--Vasettha-sutta.

Reverence ... is due to righteous conduct.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

The wise man ... regards with reverence all who deserve reverence, without distinction of person.--Ta-chw.a.n.g-yan-king-lun.

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.

Fools of little understanding have themselves for their greatest enemies, for they do evil deeds which cannot but bear bitter fruit.--Dhammapada.

There is not a spot upon earth, neither in the sky, neither in the sea, neither ... in the mountain-clefts, where an (evil) deed does not bring trouble (to the doer).--Udanavarga.

Surely if living creatures saw the consequence of all their evil deeds, ... with hatred would they turn and leave them, fearing the ruin following.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Exercising love towards the infirm.--Fa-kheu-pi-us.

Ever inspired by pity and love to men.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

He lived for the good of mankind.--Jatakamala.

Whatsoever living beings there are, feeble or strong, small or large, seen or not seen, may all creatures be happy-minded.--Metta-sutta.

Yield not (one moment) to the angry impulse.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.

Overcome anger by love.--Dhammapada.

A wise man never resents with pa.s.sion the abuse of the foolish--Ta-chw.a.n.g-yan-king-lun.

In agreement with all men, and hurting n.o.body, ... he, as far as possible, does good to all.--Fo-pen-hing-tsih-king.

Reverently practicing the four gracious acts-- Benevolence, charity, humanity, love; Doing all for the good of men, and that they in turn may benefit others.

--Phu-yau-king.

They also,[2] resigning the deathless bliss within their reach, Worked the welfare of mankind in various lands.

What man is there who would be remiss in doing good to mankind?

--Quoted by Max Muller.

[Footnote 2: Buddhist missionaries.]

He identified himself with all beings--Jatakamala.

Because the dove fears the hawk, With fluttering pennons she comes to seek my protection.

Though she cannot speak with her mouth, Yet through fear her eyes are moist.

Now, therefore, I will extend (to this poor creature) My own protection and defense.

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

How indifferent he was to his own welfare!...

How intolerant of the suffering of others!--Jatakamala. In every condition, high or low, we find folly and ignorance (and men), carelessly following the dictates of ... pa.s.sion.--Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king.