Compassion and Non-Harm
Shared across 7 traditions
Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Hinduism, Taoism, Stoicism, Zoroastrianism
Buddhism
If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
The Dhammapada, v. 2, F. Max Müller (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 10), 1881
Jainism
He who acts rightly, who does pious work, who practises no deceit, is called houseless.
Jain Sutras, Part 1 (Akaranga Sutra), Third Lecture, Hermann Jacobi (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 22), 1884
Christianity
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
The Bible (King James Version), Psalm 103:8, 1611
Hinduism
He who, seeking his own happiness does not punish or kill beings who also long for happiness, will find happiness after death.
The Dhammapada, v. 132, F. Max Müller (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 10), 1881
Taoism
The highest excellence is like (that of) water. The excellence of water appears in its benefiting all things, and in its occupying, without striving (to the contrary), the low place which all men dislike.
The Tao Te Ching, ch. 8, James Legge (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 39), 1891
Stoicism
No man is tired of receiving what is useful. But it is useful to act according to nature. Do not then be tired of receiving what is useful by doing it to others.
Meditations, Book VII, Marcus Aurelius, George Long, 1862
Zoroastrianism
O youth of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, of good religion! I am thy own conscience!
The Zend Avesta, Part II, Yasht XXII, L.H. Mills (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 23), 1887