All tremble at violence; all fear death. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill.
In this thought-provoking quotation, the author suggests that all humans share the same basic fears: violence and death. Humans do not actively wish to see violence imparted on another human being and we are all wary of the idea of dying. The author therefore suggests that, if these are truly universal fears, then no human would ever harm another. As we know, however, there is violence and death in our world. The author attributes this to humans’ selfish urges and desires. He/she suggests that, if we were all compassionate, if we all made an effort to walk a mile in one another’s shoes, such violent and deadly atrocities would not occur. This quotation encourages compassion and understanding.
There is no fear for one whose mind is not filled with desires.
The author of his scripture suggests that desires are the root of all our fears. This can most clearly be explored using some of the more carnal desires in life. If we desire to live, then we likely fear death. If we desire to be always full, then we likely fear hunger. The author therefore suggests that, for one to be truly fearless, they must be free from the restraints of desire.
Let none find fault with others; let none see the omissions and commissions of others. But let one see one’s own acts, done and undone.
This quotation encapsulates the idea of “treat others the way you want to be treated.” The author urges the reader not to judge others—either what they did or didn’t do. He/she suggests that one should never define a person by their faults. Rather, we should first examine our own decisions, actions, and faults to locate areas of improvement. In this way, this quotation urges total kindness and judge-less living.
Should a person do good, let him do it again and again. Let him find pleasure therein, for blissful is the accumulation of good.
Here, the author speaks to the positive benefits of good acts. The author wants people to find comfort and joy in goodness, which will then prompt them to continue these acts of goodness. This quotation speaks to the healing power of goodness and kindness. When one demonstrates acts of goodness and is kind to others, they find a deep sense of fulfillment that cannot be found anywhere else.
