(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.

Nor [shall one] lay
Upon the brow of innocent bound beasts