Lord Buddha teaches Ahimsa

Once as Lord Buddha was traversing the countryside he came across some sheep being driven to a place where a sacrifice was to be held by the local ruler of the district. Amongst the sheep was one lamb, Lord Buddha tenderly picked up the lamb and carried it, following the sheep to their destination. When he heard that the slaughter of the sheep was a sacrifice which would invoke great good fortune upon the ruler and the state, Lord Buddha said to the local ruler, “Certainly the life of an insignificant lamb will produce much good to yourself and the country but think how much more benefit would come from the life of a man who is both a prince and a monk. Therefore kill me and you will benefit a hundred times more.” When everyone became aghast at such a thought Lord Buddha then informed them that to kill others for one’s own benefit so that they may live longer with fuller joy was a reprehensible act and that rather than sacrifice a bleating sheep we should instead sacrifice our own inner weaknesses and vices and earn the heaven of unflinching peace.