So what, now what: The Golden Rule

Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message. - Malcolm Muggeridge

The Blind Men & the Elephant - my posting for January 1, 2012 (qv) - is a parable that tells me that all religions are partial views of a truth. That truth, which seems to be at the core of virtually all religions, is the Golden Rule.

Here it is, in the words of the major religions of the world:

Christian: Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

Unitarian: We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Native spirituality: We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive.

Zoroastrianism: Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.

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

Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.

Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.

Baha’I: Lay not on any soul a load that you would not want to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.

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

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

Confucianism: One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct… loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.

Taoism: Regard your neighbour’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbour’s loss as your own loss.

Sikhism: I am a stranger to no-one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed I am a friend to all.

Simple, isn't it! That's the message. All that remains to be decided is what you would like others to do to you, and do it to them. Which brings us to the second veil.