When drops of water fill a vase, it is not the first drop that fills it, nor the last drop or each drop individually; through the gathering of dependent factors the vase is filled. Likewise, when someone experiences joy and suffering - the effects - this is not due to the first instant of their cause; nor is it due to the last instant of the cause. Joy and pain are felt through coming together of dependent factors. So within this mere appearance I will observe ethical norms.

-- Dharmaraksita