while they live, we shall perhaps not be doing violence to the spirit
of mercy by which it was prompted. There are many passages in Buddhist
works which advocate preference for the spirit over the letter, or the
exercise of judgment in accepting what we are taught.

A few passages, though not many, have been included more because they
are striking or poetical than for the sake of their moral teaching.

As the references given are mostly to the Oriental origins, it is only
fair to insert here a list of the English and French translations
which have been principally used in compiling this book. The following
works comprise most of those which have proved directly of service for
the purpose--"Sacred Books of the East," namely:

Vol. 10. Dhammapada, by F. Max Muller; and Sutta-Nipata, by V.
Fausboll.

Vol. 11. Buddhist Suttas, by T. W. Rhys Davids.

Vol. 13. Vinaya Texts, part 1, by T. W. Rhys Davids and H.
Oldenberg.

Vol. 17. Vinaya Texts, part 2, by T. W. Rhys Davids and H.
Oldenberg.

Vol. 19. Fo-sho-hing-tsan-king, by Rev. S. Beal.

Vol. 20. Vinaya Texts, part 3, by T. W. Rhys Davids and H.
Oldenberg.