Is living by the golden rule all the religions you really need?
QUESTION: "Is living by the golden rule all the religions you really need?"ANSWER: Various versions of the golden rule can be found in the teachings of nearly all of the world's religions. Several examples of the golden rule can also be found in the Buddhist scriptures, "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." Udana-Varga 5:18 and "...a state that is not pleasing or delightful to me, how could I inflict that upon another?" Samyutta NIkaya v. 353. It is important that the golden rule is not confused with the ethic of reciprocity. The ethic of reciprocity has to do with retaliation or tit for tat.
The golden rule should be applied to all sentient beings, and not to just followers of a particular religion. From the Buddhist perspective this includes everyone, even our enemies. In Buddhism this type of universal altruism is referred to as "bodhichitta." Bodhichitta is essential for whatever path you practice, because it's the essence of enlightenment.
In order to generate this precious mind of enlightenment it is important to develop great compassion for all sentient beings. One of the ways of generating universal altruism (bodhicitta) is by equalizing and exchanging self for others. We do this when we practice tonglen meditation also known as "sending and taking". Tonglen instruction can be found at the following website: http://www.rimecenter.org/tonglen.htm.
All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced by any means for commercial purposes or mass circulation without prior written permission from Lama Chuck Stamford. You're welcome to download for your own personal reading.
