Dhammapada Selections and Sutta Nipata

1Better than a thousand useless words is one useful word, hearing which one attains peace.

2Better than a thousand useless verses is one useful verse, hearing which one attains peace.

3Though one may conquer a thousand times a thousand men in battle, yet he who conquers himself is the greatest warrior.

4One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble.

5Let one not neglect one's own welfare for the sake of another, however great. Clearly understanding one's own welfare, let one be intent upon the good.

6All tremble at violence; all fear death. Putting oneself in the place of another, one should not kill nor cause another to kill.

7He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, the Teaching, and the Community, penetrates with transcendent wisdom the Four Noble Truths.