Do Unto Others The Golden Rule
All over the world, there exists a simple precept
that, when followed, has the power to end conflict and banish strife. It is the
Golden Rule, a key concept in many philosophies and spiritualities that
admonishes us to “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.�?Its meaning
is clear: treat others only in ways that you would want to be treated. However,
the golden rule is not always easy to follow. It can be a challenge to honor
others as we wish to be honored. Yet, when we do so, we bestow a gift of loving
kindness on our fellow human beings. And, in honoring others, we honor
ourselves.
It is as uncomplicated a tenet as one could wish for. When we
live by it, harming another person becomes nearly impossible. The Golden Rule is
rooted in pure empathy and does not compel us to perform any specific act.
Rather, it gently guides us to never let our actions toward others be out of
harmony with our own desires. The Golden Rule asks us to be aware of the effect
our words and actions may have on another person and to imagine ourselves in
their place. It calls on us to ask ourselves how we would feel if what we were
about to do were directed toward us. And yet this rule invites us to do more
than not harm others. It suggests that we look for opportunities to behave
toward others in the same ways that we would want others to act toward us.
Showing compassion, being considerate of others, caring for the less fortunate,
and giving generously are what can result when you follow the Golden Rule.
Adhering to the Golden Rule whenever possible can have a positive effect
on the world around you because kindness begets kindness. In doing so, you
generate a flow of positive energy that enfolds everyone you encounter in peace,
goodwill, and harmony. |