Planting Roots of Goodness

To develop an attitude of mercy and compassion toward all beings suffering because of craving, not conceiving disdain for them, giving them what they need according to one's ability--this is called planting roots of goodness.

To be gentle and tolerant with all bad types, treating them affably and not provoking them, causing them to develop a sense of joy, and stop being stubbornly perverse--this is called planting roots of goodness.

Not killing or harming living beings, not cheating and not despising them, not defaming and not disgracing them, not riding or beating them, not eating their flesh, always acting to their benefit--this is called planting roots of goodness.

---Hui-neng - in his commentary on The Diamond Sutra---