Thread: The Golden Rule
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Old 08-30-2007, 06:24 PM   #1 (permalink)
shivraj
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Arrow The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule mentioned in all religions is, "Do unto others, as how you would want others to do unto you". It is the first message of every religion, every great teacher.

Learn to forgive others as well as yourself. When you forgive others, you are not doing a favour to them. In fact, it is a favour you do on yourself. Thus favour yourself. Learn to forgive.

The golden rule is best interpreted as saying: "Treat others only in ways that you're willing to be treated in the same exact situation." To apply it, you would have to imagine yourself in the exact place of the other person on the receiving end of the action. If you act in a given way toward another, and yet are unwilling to be treated that way in the same circumstances, then you violate the rule.

To apply the golden rule, you need to understand the meaning of stepping into the other person's shoes. The first step is to simply be aware of the need to understand other people's viewpoint. Next time you have a conversation, instead of jumping ahead with what you planned to say, whether written or verbal, stop and consider what it might be like to be in the other person's shoes. If appropriate, you may choose to spend some time gaining his understanding by asking questions and listening - truly listening - to their responses. Consider their perspective, and how they may feel about things. The more you practice stepping into other peoples' shoes, the more you'll experience the results and benefits and meaningful, powerful communication. Once you have learnt this step, then all you have to do is to ask yourself whether in that place if someone were to treat you in a way that you are just about to treat this person, will it do?

What is written above is what many have said about the golden rule. The golden rule as taught in Tej Gyan Foundation is very different. It is at an altogether different plane. "Do unto others as you would want others to do unto who you really are." This variation of the golden rule can be explained thus. First know who you are. You are unlimited, timeless, spaceless - the Self. You are the source. Now behave with others seeing that they too are the source - the Self. So that they too respond to you as the Self - who you really are.

Also ponder on the golden rule as mentioned by all religions. That alone is enough to bring social transformation.

Christianity In everything, do to others, as you would have them do to you; for this is the law
.. Jesus, Mathew

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

Hinduism
This is the sum of duty : Do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you
.. Mahabharata

Sikhism I am a stranger to no one : and no one is stranger to me. Indeed I am a friend to all.
.. Guru Granth Saheb

Islam
Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.
.. The Prophet Mohammad

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

Last edited by shivraj; 08-30-2007 at 06:26 PM.
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