Golden rule: is it worth following?

Over the ages, religion has ripped the oneness of humanity apart, causing endless suffering. It was not meant to be that way. If we look closely at the fundamental teachings of all religious beliefs through our own ears and eyes and not that of others, we discover that they were meant to enhance the nobility enshrined in all of us. Most followers are good people with charitable intentions towards all. But some have gone astray through misinterpretation of the Holy Scriptures and, wrapped in dogmatic prejudices, they do tremendous harm to fellow human beings. Religion, the foundation of goodness, has become the source of evil. Very unfortunate.

For my first blog post, I decided to show the common beliefs we all share. The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as one would wish to be treated. Could it be possible that many problems facing humanity would disappear if we all make an effort to sincerely follow the rule?

The Golden Rule

Aboriginal Spirituality

We are as much alive as we keep the Earth alive.

-Chief Dan George

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Baha’i Faith 

Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things ye would not desire for yourselves. This is My best counsel unto you, did ye but observe it.

-Baha’u’llah, Gleanings

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Buddhism

Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

-The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18

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Christianity

In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law of the prophets.

-Jesus, Mathew 7:12

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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

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Hinduism

This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you …

–Mahabharata 5:1517

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Islam

Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.

-The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

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Jainism

One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.

-Mahavira, Sutrakritanga

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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

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Taoism

Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.

– Tai Shang Kan Ying Pien, 213-218

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Zoroastrianism

Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

-Shayast-na-Shayast

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Text compiled by The Temple of Understanding