The Golden Rule of Different Religions and Philosophies
I grew up in a very traditional and religious family. From the moment I was born, my birth certificate indicated ‘Baptist’ as my religion.
I went to Sunday School every Sunday, attended prayer meetings on Wednesdays and even went to school at my church from kindergarten until I was expelled during my sophomore year — this one’s for another story.
I never really liked going to those things. We had to wake up at 7 AM on a Sunday morning. I was jealous of people who get to sleep in during the last day of the weekend.
I honestly have forgotten when I turned agnostic, maybe when I was 16. I’m not really into labels. Heck, I don’t even know my own sexuality. It’s just the term closest to my beliefs.
There are just some things I tend to disagree with regard to most religions in general but faith of others is something I truly respect, even slightly jealous of.
Nevertheless, now that I’m older, I’m glad that I was brought up in religion. There are many things I took from it and made as one of my core principles as an adult.
Realizing this sparked my curiosity to dig into different religions. I’m also into philosophy — studying the fundamental nature of reality, knowledge, and existence.
Here’s the golden rule for each different religions and philosophies:
Christianity
Matthew 7:12
In everything, do unto others what you would have them do to you. For this sums up the law and the prophets.
Buddhism
Udanavarga 5:18
Do not offend others as you would not want to be offended.
Islam
Prophet Muhammad
None of you are true believers until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.
Judaism
Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.
Confucianism
Analects 15:23
Tzu-kung asked, “Is there one word which can serve as the guiding principle for conduct throughout life?” Confucius said, “It is the word altruism (shu). Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.”
Sikhism
Guru Granth Sahib, pg. 1299
I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.
Taoism
T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, 213–218
Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.
Jainism
Mahavira, Sutrakritanga
One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.
Aboriginal Spirituality
Chief Dan George
We are much alive as we keep the Earth alive.
The Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as you want to be treated. It is a maxim that is found in many religions, cultures and philosophies.
It can be considered as an ethic of reciprocity in some religions, although other religions treat it differently.
It’s interesting that despite differences in religion and belief systems as people, treating everyone kindly is part of almost every single one.
Kindness is telling a struggling soul that there is love to be found in this world.
Be kind. Always.
