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THE DECLARATION
I so pronounce that all the omniscients of all times state, speak, propagate, and elaborate that nothing which breathes, which exists, which lives, and which has any essence or potential of life, should be destroyed or ruled over, or subjugated, or harmed, or denied of its essence or potential.
This truth, propagated by self-knowing omniscients, after understanding all there is in the universe, is pure, undefileable, and eternal. In support of this truth I ask you a question, “Is sorrow or pain desirable to you?”
If you say, 'Yes, it is, ' it would be a lie, as it is against the evident reality. If you say, 'No, it is not,' you will be telling the truth. What I want to add to the truth expressed by you is that as sorrow or pain is not desirable to you, so it is to all which breath, exist, live, or have any essence of life. To you and all it is undesirable, and painful, and repugnant.
That which you consider worth destroying is (like) your
self.
That which you consider worth disciplining is (like) yourself. That which you consider worth harming is (like) yourself. That which you consider worth subjugating is (like) yourself. That which you consider worth killing is (like) yourself. The result of actions by you has to be borne by you, so do not destroy anything.
— Acharanga Sutra
AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE
IX
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