At Christmastime we hear people talking about peace on earth, goodwill toward humankind. Lately I have been witness to violence on earth, and animosity toward humankind, which has caused my mind and heart grief. What if we took the time to commit to only doing unto others as we would have them do unto us? What's more, what if we didn't see people as objects to be manipulated for personal gain or pleasure, but as people that we are at one with. May the words of my mouth be soft, may I be quick to listen. May I breathe in peace and release all violence as I exhale.
Christianity: "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." ~ Matthew 7:1
Confucianism: "Do not do to others what you would not like yourself. Then there will be no resentment against you, either in the family or in the state." ~ Analects 12:2
Buddhism: "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." ~ Udana-Varga 5,1
Hinduism: "This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you." ~ Mahabharata 5,1517
Islam: "No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." ~ Sunnah
Judaism: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellowman. This is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary." ~ Talmud, Shabbat 3id
Taoism: "Regard your neighbor’s gain as your gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss." ~ Tai Shang Kan Yin P’ien
Zoroastrianism: "That nature alone is good which refrains from doing another whatsoever is not good for itself." ~ Dadisten-I-dinik, 94,5
2 comments:
At my work we have a poster that shows all these (and several other religions') versions of "The Golden Rule"
I think it's worth noting that Jesus' teaching is different from the rest and takes the concept of how to treat one's neighbor to another level.
Shaun I agree it is different. It is like he flips it around to not just stop doing but to pro-activley do good.
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