An epithet (pariyàya or vevacana) is a word or phrase which perfectly sums up or describes the characteristics or essence of something. There are four verses which could be said to be epithets of the Buddha's teachings. They are: `Avoid everything evil, develop the good and purify the mind; this is the teaching of the Buddhas'(Dhp.183). `Not insulting, being harmless, living by the Patimokkha, eating in moderation, living in solitude and training the mind; this is the teaching of the Buddhas'(Dhp.185). `Having seen conflict as a danger and harmony as peace, abide in unity and kind-heartedness; this is the teaching of the Buddhas'(Cp.3,15,13). `Love should be developed towards oneself and others, all should be pervaded with love; this is the teaching of the Buddhas'(Mil.394).
Two things are immediately apparent in these epithets. The first is that Buddhism is not primarily concerned about the nature of one's beliefs but the quality of one's heart. The second is the importance Buddhism gives to purifying the mind and manifesting the various expressions of love. A Buddhist is not someone who `believes in' the Buddha. He or she is one who is kind-hearted in speech (sakhila), who tries to be an agent for peace (samagga) and harmony (avivàda) within their community, who develops love (mettàbhàvanà) in their heart and pervades everyone, including themselves, with that love (mettàcittena pharitabbaü). See Creed.