It is forbidden to descry other sects; the true believer gives honor to whatever in them is worthy of honor.
Ashoka (c. 269-232 BC) Indian Buddhist emperor [Asoka, Piyadasi]
Edict
Quotations by:
Ashoka
Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, desires that all religions should reside everywhere, for all of them desire self-control and purity of heart. But people have various desires and various passions, and they may practice all of what they should or only a part of it. But one who receives great gifts yet is lacking in self-control, purity of heart, gratitude and firm devotion, such a person is mean.
Ashoka (c. 269-232 BC) Indian Buddhist emperor [Asoka, Piyadasi]
Edicts, Girnar version (256 BC)
Beloved-of-the-Gods, King Piyadasi, does not value gifts and honors as much as he values this — that there should be growth in the essentials of all religions. Growth in essentials can be done in different ways, but all of them have as their root restraint in speech, that is, not praising one’s own religion, or condemning the religion of others without good cause. And if there is cause for criticism, it should be done in a mild way. But it is better to honor other religions for this reason. By so doing, one’s own religion benefits, and so do other religions, while doing otherwise harms one’s own religion and the religions of others. Whoever praises his own religion, due to excessive devotion, and condemns others with the thought “Let me glorify my own religion,” only harms his own religion. Therefore contact (between religions) is good. One should listen to and respect the doctrines professed by others.
Ashoka (c. 269-232 BC) Indian Buddhist emperor [Asoka, Piyadasi]
Edicts, Girnar version (256 BC)
To do good is difficult. One who does good first does something hard to do. I have done many good deeds, and, if my sons, grandsons and their descendants up to the end of the world act in like manner, they too will do much good. But whoever amongst them neglects this, they will do evil. Truly, it is easy to do evil.
Ashoka (c. 269-232 BC) Indian Buddhist emperor [Asoka, Piyadasi]
Edicts, Kalsi version (256 BC)