innocent being than to sit on the rocks of Olympus or sit in solitary caves and watch unconcerned the sorrows and sufferings of humanity. Buddha followed the herdsman to a sacrifice for the gods. When he got there Buddha interrupted the sacrifice just before the first beast was to be killed and said, Every creature loves to live, even as every human being loves to preserve his or her own life. The priest then threw the knife away and the king passed a law that there shall be no more sacrifices (Sivananda 23). Buddha showed his character by standing up for what he believed in. Buddha was a strong person and influences me to voice my opinion on what is right and wrong in society. He had the courage to say no to an accepted practice in his world. Looking at his example gives me courage to stand up against issues such as capital punishment and abortion, which are accepted practices in my world. When Siddhartha went to visit his father on his deathbed; everyone came to pay Buddha his or her respects except his wife. She felt he would come to see her if he cared. His wife, when she lost her husband, gave up all her luxuries. She took simple food once a day and slept on a mat. She led a life of severe austerities. When Buddha heard of his wifes actions he was very moved and went to visit her. When he arrived she wept at his feet. The Buddha at once started a order of female ascetics; his wife was the first of the Buddhistic nuns. This act of compassion was also one of equality and justice. I feel that people should not be judged on their sex, color, age, sexuality, or any other characteristic....
