Harmony among Religions: The Golden Rule
It is an amazing discovery that in spite of differences, all major religions share the same “Golden Rule” of the love of neighbor.
– Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: Do not do to others what would cause you pain if done to you.”
( Mahabharata 5: 15-17)
– Buddhism: “Hurt not others in ways that you would find hurtful” (Udanavarga 5:18)
– Confucianism: “It is the maxim of loving kindness:” Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.”
(Analects – Rongo – 15:23)
– Judaism: “ What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man. This is the entire law; all the rest is commentary”
( Talmud, Shabban 31a)
– Christianity: “I give you a new commandment: love one another, you must love one another just as I have loved you”
( Jn. 13,34)
– Islam: “ No one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.”
( The 42 Traditions of An-Nawawi)
Thus, the GOLDEN RULE is the most fundamental, common, ethical denominator of all religious and non-religious belief systems on earth. This convergence of love encourages us to reaffirm that dialogue is the expression of love and it is not only a means, but also a goal in life. This relation or dialogue that starts from God becomes a spirituality when we experience it in our life. It moves us to work together for the common good.