The "Golden Rule is Universal"
In the true spirit of interfaith ministry, below are quotations taken from the sacred writings of a number of faith traditions all extolling the guidance offered in what is commonly referred to as 'The Golden Rule". People of all faiths lament the injustice, conflict and violence "for God's sake" that has been, and continues to be, practiced. Yet, faith groups often remain quiet or even seem to suppress dissent for fear of developing internal conflicts.
As one of many Interfaith Ministers, we must not remain quiet or inactive when we discern injustice and violence. We must be moved and move others to act with love, peace and tolerance. While we do not need to be of one belief, nor of one religion, we do need to act on behalf of the behavioral ethic that is common to all faiths as evidenced below.
Baha'I :
"Desire not for anyone the things that ye would not desire for yourselves." Baha Ullah LXVI
"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." Udana-Varga, 5:18
Christianity :
"In all things, do unto others as you would have them do unto you; for this is the law and the prophets." Jesus, Matthew 7:12
Confucianism :
"One concept sums up the basis of all good conduct...loving kindness. Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself." Analects 15:23
Hinduism :
"Never do to others what would pain thyself." Panchatantra III.104
"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, Hadith
"Do unto all men as you would they should do unto you, and reject for others what you would reject for yourself." Mishkat-el-Masabih
Jainism :
"In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self." Lord Mahavira, 6th Century B.C.E.
"One should treat all creatures of the world as one would like to be treated." Mahavira, Suktrakritanga
Judaism :
"What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbor. That is the entire law." Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a
Native American :
"Respect for all life is the foundation." The Great Law of Peace
"We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive." Chief Dan George
Sikhism :
"Treat others as thou wouldst be treated thyself." Adi Granth
"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 neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss."
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 :
"That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself." Dadistan-i-Dinik, 94:5
"Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself." Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29
"The Great Way is very level, but people
greatly delight in tortuous paths."
Lao Tzu, Tao Teh Ching |
