erving the precepts, and the number observed; that is,
if he observes only one precept, violating the other four, he acquires
the merit of the observance of that precept only; and the longer he
keeps that precept the greater will be the merit. He who keeps all the
precepts inviolate will cause himself to have a higher and happier
existence hereafter.

157. Q. _What are the other observances which it is considered
meritorious for the laity as such to undertake voluntarily to keep?_

A. The _Atthanga Sila_, or the Eightfold Precept, which embraces
the five above enumerated (omitting the word "unlawful" in the third),
with three additional; _viz._:

I observe the precept to abstain from eating at an unseasonable time.

I observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music and
unbecoming shows, and from the use of garlands, scents, perfumes,
cosmetics, ointments, and ornaments.

I observe the precept to abstain from using high and broad beds.

The seats and couches here referred to are those used by the
worldly-minded for the sake of pleasure and sensual enjoyment. The
celibate should avoid these.

158. Q. _How would a Buddhist describe true merit?_

A. There is no great merit in any merely outward act; all depends upon
the inward motive that provokes the deed.

159. Q. _Give an example?_

A. A rich man may expend lakhs of rupees in building dagobas or
viharas, in erecting statues of Buddha, in festivals and
processions, in feeding priests, in giving alms to the poor, or in
planting trees, digging tanks, or constructing rest-houses by the
roadside for travellers, and yet have comparatively little merit if it
be done for display, or to hear himself praised by men, or for any
other selfish motives. But he who does the least of these things with
a kind motive, such as love for his fellow-men, gains great merit. A
good deed done with a bad motive benefits others, but not the doer.
One who approves of a good deed when done by another shares in the
merit, _if his sympathy is real, not pretended_. The same rule applies
to evil deeds.

160. Q. _But which is said to be the greatest of all meritorious
actions?_

A. The _Dhammapada_ declares that the merit of disseminating the
Dharma, the Law of Righteousness, is greater than that of any other
good work.

161. Q. _What books contain all the most excellent wisdom of the
Buddha's teachings?_

A. The three collections of books called _Tripit