A very large part of buddhist practice is based on the principles of developing our ability to experience empathetic compassion and empathetic loving kindness to all including those we dislike, fear or are critical of.
from a buddhist point of view this is, in fact, enlightened self interest. because who would wish to experience the pain of harbouring anger in their heart? who would wish to cultivate bitterness in their heart. who would wish to be ruled by fear?
the historical buddha famously said in the twin verses:
"hate is never conquered by hate.
hate is overcome by love.
this is an eternal law."
from a buddhist point of view banishing poisonous emotions by replacing them with emotions of compassionate understanding and loving kindness not only brings merit which will fuel the seeker's efforts to become enlightened it will bring experiences of happiness and joy and lay down the foundation for good health and good fortune.
again, from the opening of the twin verses:
"what we are is the result of what we have thought."
would it be interesting to look at how different belief systems look at this principle of developing beneficial loving experiences and how those effect the health and fortune of the practitioner or follower of that system?
and invitation to all...
I just saw this thread and it seems to bear out the reply to a suggestion for a Satanism forum. As Crowley had it, "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law" All the examples above bear out the opposing difference.
V
The basis of the golden rule in Sanatana Dharma (usually, but incorrectly referred to as Hinduism) is utter simplicity itself.
There is no "other".
There is only one.
Most Upanishads as well as the Brahma Sutras amply expound this concept.
Therefore, it is impossible in Sanatana Dharma to do unto "others"!
Incidentally, the one includes all sentient beings.
Regards.
Prashna
No longer getting notification of old threads I've only just realised that this has been added to.
"hate is never conquered by hate.
hate is overcome by love.
this is an eternal law."
I love that Norbu!
Yes, V, how different the Golden Rule (in all religions and enlightened philosophies) is to the egocentric "Do what thou wilt..." The Nazis did that, as did others. Shudder.
Hi Prashna, thanks for your offering. It's true, but I must admit that a thread on the Golden Rule is meant to be relating to the human condition and how to interact with one another (a bit hard when we don't exist!)! :021:
Grand abstract statements aren't easily understood (and even less demonstrated) by most people. Mary Baker Eddy says something very similar: "There is no such thing as mortality, nor are there properly any mortal beings, because being is immortal, like Deity,--or, rather, being and Deity are inseparable." (Science and Health p 554) I can just about understand that on an intellectual level, but it's impossible on a human one.
But, she also wrote these words, which are much easier to relate to after all, the Golden Rule is all about loving our neighbour
I make strong demands on love, call for active witnesses to prove it, and noble sacrifices and grand achievements as its results
Love cannot be a mere abstraction, or goodness without activity and power. As a human quality, the glorious significance of affection is more than words: it is the tender, unselfish deed done in secret; the silent, ceaseless prayer; the self-forgetful heart that overflows; the veiled form stealing on an errand of mercy
.. Miscellaneous Writings p 250
and they in turn mirror the wonderful words of St Paul:
I Corinthians 13:1-3 - If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing. (Phillips NT)
Love and peace,
Judy
Have just added another saying above:
from the religious tradition of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
Someone going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird
should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts