One of the things I continually give thanks for is having been born in The United States of America. Today, watching the peaceful exchange of power, the hallmark and legacy of every United States of America Presidential inauguration, was moving. Listening to the President’s words reinforced many of my beliefs. The following passage to me was the heart:
“That is our generation’s task — to make these words, these rights, these values — of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness — real for every American. Being true to our founding documents does not require us to agree on every contour of life; it does not mean we will all define liberty in exactly the same way, or follow the same precise path to happiness. Progress does not compel us to settle centuries-long debates about the role of government for all time — but it does require us to act in our time.” President Barack Obama, Inaugural Address, 2013,
Action for me is the heart. And to pump blood through the heart of action, no matter our 
country of birth, political persuasion, belief, color or creed, each and every human on this earth need base their actions on The Golden Rule. It’s that simple:
“The Golden Rule”
The Golden Rule originates in a well-known Torah verse (Hebrew: “ואהבת לרעך כמוך”):
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. —Leviticus 19:18
Baha’i: Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship . . . So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth. Baha’u’llah, Teachings on Spiritual Reality
Christianity: All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. Matthew 7:12
Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not to your fellowmen. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary. Talmud, Shabbat 31:a
Hinduism: This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:1517
Islam: No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself. Sunnah
Buddhism: Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. Udana Varga 5:18
Confucianism: Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto others that you would not have them do unto you. Analects 15:23
Zoroastrianism: That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself. (Dadistan-i-dinik 94:5).
Jainism: Killing a living being is killing one’s own self; showing compassion to a living being is showing compassion to oneself. He who desires his own good, should avoid causing any harm to a living being. Suman Suttam , verse 151
Hi, Judy, I appreciate your listing of the various “Golden Rules, but I have to make two observations: One, the Golden Rule of Judaism is actually your quote of Leviticus 19:18, while your Talmudic quote was made by Hillel the Elder when he was asked to explain Judaism in one sentence; thus while similar in meaning, it should not technically be used as the substitute for the Torah version of the Golden Rule. Two, it should be noted that the Golden Rule of Christianity is actually saying “do to your neighbor what your neighbor has done onto you”, which would mean if your neighbor is mean to you, then you can be mean to your neighbor. Please don’t shoot the messenger, but as you can see, not all Golden Rules are the same. Miss you, Jan
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JAN!!
So glad to get your comment and clarification. That’s what is so wonderful about the internet – I learn more from others than I would ever have on my own. AND I hear more from others that I love.
jJ
An aside to all: JAN WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO REFER TO ME AS jJ (Although it was two caps “JJ” back in the 1970’s! Half of me has been humbled since then . . .)
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Wonderful compilation of thoughts Judith…All religions say the same thing and yet we humans hear it differently and make fools of ourselves… and we pride ourselves on being the smartest inhabitants of the earth.
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Reshma,
Amen to all you said.
Pride goeth before the fall . ..
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LIKE!
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I’m speechless. Just when I’ve recovered from murky mucous you come up with something as extraordinary as this. It reinforces my belief that we are all the same. Do unto others……if only the world would see it the same way. Maybe we both should teach that Life 101 course for the very young. It’s an honor being friends with you. Love, Laurie F.
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Possibly the most comprehensive ecumenical compendium of the “golden rule” ever! Truth is truth, in every language and belief system.
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Thanks JudyJudith for such a comprehensive list of Golden Rules all in one place. Very moving – a good reminder to all.
cheers,
C.
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AMAZING! They all get it right in the holy books. but we still can’t get it right with one another. Lovely post, Judy.
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