The Universal Spirit of the Golden Rule

omega minimo

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Sun Dec-24-06 08:30 PM
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The Universal Spirit of the Golden Rule

Golden Rule Expressions
http://www.goldenruleradical.org/expressions.htm

Native Spirituality - We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Chief Dan George

Baha'i - Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. Baha'u'llah, Gleanings

Buddhism - Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.1

Christianity - In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Jesus, Matthew 7:12

Confucianism - One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct....loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Confucius, Analects 15.23

Hinduism - This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:1517

Islam - Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. The Prophet Muhammad, 13th of the 40 Hadiths of Nawawi

Jainism - One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Mahavira, Sutrakritanga

Judaism - What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

Sikhism - I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all. Guru Granth Sahib, pg. 1299

Taoism - Regard your neighbour's gain as your own gain and your neighbour's loss
as your own loss. Lao Tzu, T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218

Unitarianism - We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Unitarian principle

Zoroastrianism - Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself. Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29

Wicca - An it harm none, do what you will

Ancient Egyptian - Do for one who may do for you, that you may cause him thus to do. The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant

Humanism - Humanists acknowledge human interdependence, the need for mutual respect and the kinship of all humanity. "Principles of Humanism," Humanist Association of Canada

http://www.jcu.edu/philosophy/gensler/goldrule.htm

Seven Statements of Golden Rule Living
http://www.goldenruleradical.org/goldenrule_statements....

The Golden Rule is a universal principle that can help us coexist in a pluralistic world. Here are seven statements that can help expand our understanding of this ancient, yet ever relevant, concept.

1. There are underlying universal principles common to all human communities. The closest we have come to discerning these principles is embodied in the Golden Rule, which can be recognized in all life-affirming faiths and secular moral codes.

2. The essential nature of the Golden Rule is embodied in relationships - with individuals, groups, and Creation. Therefore the practice of the Golden Rule is not concerned with sacrifice, but with self worth.

3. The practice of the Golden Rule does not require the practice of any faith or secular tradition. Nor does it preclude or discourage such practice except where that tradition is antagonistic toward or dismissive of other experiences of the Divine.

4. The universal presence of the Golden Rule suggests the presence of the Divine. It therefore encourages religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue.

5. The Golden Rule implies that all people, without qualification, have intrinsic value and worth. By extension, so too do all aspects of Creation.

6. To act in harmony with the Golden Rule we must seek first to understand those that we would interact with. This effort enhances our ability to relate to others in accordance with the principle of the Golden Rule.

7. The spirit of the Golden Rule compels us to act to address injustice, inequity and exploitation, whether of individuals, groups, or Creation.

http://www.goldenruleradical.org/blog_the_way_they_trea...

In a recent interview posted to Bob Geiger's blog, the US incoming Senate Majority leader, Harry Reid, commented: "I think first of all you have to apply a very simple principle: It's called the Golden Rule. I will not treat them like they treated me."
<snip>
Reid now finds himself in a role that would make it very easy to engage in tit-for-tat thinking. He could indulge in the same obstructionist activities that he believes were employed against him. Instead, Senator Reid's Golden Rule comment was framed in terms that clearly identified it as his chosen alternative to the temptation to play partisan politics.

If he is able to follow through on his statement, he will provide a valuable example of Golden Rule thinking. Let's hope that more of those in positions of influence make the effort to live out the underlying principle of the Golden Rule.