And the Bodhisattva went to the priests officiating in the temples. But the gentle mind of Shakyamuni was offended at the unnecessary cruelty performed on the altars of the gods. He said:
"Ignorance only can make these men prepare festivals and hold vast meetings for sacrifices. Far better to revere the truth than try to appease the gods by shedding blood.
"What love can a man possess who believes that the destruction of life will atone for evil deeds? Can a new wrong expiate old wrongs? And can the slaughter of an innocent victim blot out the evil deeds of mankind? This is practicing religion by the neglect of moral conduct.
"Purify your hearts and cease to kill; that is true religion.
"Rituals have no efficacy; prayers are vain repetitions; and incantations have no saving power. But to abandon covetousness and lust, to become free from evil passions, and to give up all hatred and ill-will, that is the right sacrifice and true worship."
---The Gospel of Buddha (1894), by Paul Carus---
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