Cherishing Life

Venerable Master Hsuan Hua:

Compassion doesn't mean being compassionate in one situation and not in another. Compassion means a universal concern for the welfare of all creatures. It's not partial to human beings, or animals, or any particular form of life. Compassion should extend to all of existence, to the entire Dharma Realm.

Albert Schweitzer:

Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace.

…compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breath and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind...

Mencius:

When I see those who are alive,
I do not wish to see them die.
When I hear their sounds,
I cannot bear to eat their flesh.

Avoid heading straight towards the deer. It is extremely shy and will run away when it sees you approaching.