International Golden Rule Day

The Golden RuleImage by apauls via Flickr


Today is the third observance of International Golden Rule day. This day was founded by Ambassador Mussie Hailu in Ethiopia.  It is endorsed by the United Nations and celebrated by various groups around the globe. 

One of those groups, of which I am a member, is The Charter for Compassion.  The Charter bases its ideology on the Golden Rule, which each culture around the world has a version of in their sacred writing or teaching.

What is the Golden Rule?  The First Peoples of the Americas have passed the following down to us. 

"Respect for all life is the foundation." The Great Law of Peace

"All things are our relatives; what we do to everything, we do to ourselves. All is really One." Black Elk

The following are other versions of this truth listed in alphabetical order.
 
Bahá'í

"And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbour that which thou choosest for thyself." Epistle to the Son of the Wolf. 

Buddhism  

"Hurt not others with that which pains yourself." Udana-Varga 5:18

Brahmanism

"This is the sum of Dharma [duty]: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you." Mahabharata, 5:1517  
 
Confucianism
 
"Tzi-Kung asked, 'Is there one principle upon which one's whole life may proceed?'
 
The Master replied, 'Is not Reciprocity such a principle?-what you do not yourself desire, do not put before others.'" Doctrine of the Mean 13.3   

Hinduism

"This is the sum of all true righteousness - Treat others, as thou wouldst thyself be treated.  Do nothing to thy neighbor, which hereafter thou wouldst not have thy neighbor do to thee." Mahabharata 5:1517 
 
Islam

"Do unto all men as you would wish to have done unto you; and reject for others what you would reject for yourself." Mishcat Ul Masabih 

Jainism

"In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self." Lord Mahavira, 24th Tirthankara

Judaism
 
"What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah and the remainder is but commentary." Talmud, Shabbat 31a

Wicca
 
"Do what you will as long as it harms none." The Wiccan Rede


If we are all saying the same thing, why is it so difficult to do?
 
Namasté!


References:



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Comments

Jen said…
What a great day to celebrate!
April 5, 2011 at 4:29 PM
Karyn Climans said…
Thank you for reminding us that the foundation of every religion is goodness & compassion. How did things get so twisted over time that religion is now used to justify terrorism and wars by some people (granted it's a small minority).
I love the notion that "all is really one".
April 7, 2011 at 3:06 PM
Rev. Linda said…
Hi, Jen! I believe it is a great day that should be celebrated every day!

Hi, Karyn! Yes, we are all one is a favorite belief of mine, too.
April 7, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Unknown said…
Shoot I'm too late this year. But this is one of those things that should be observed every day, stamped on everyone's forehead as a reminder to all they encounter.
April 11, 2011 at 7:39 PM
Rev. Linda said…
Absolutely, Margaret! Thanks for stopping by...I just visited your site...love it!
April 12, 2011 at 10:39 PM
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