Comparing Religions

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As we seek teachings of peace from the world’s great religions, we notice the similarities in these teachings. We can simply turn to the Golden Rule. Here are a few of the forms of this “rule” of life from several religious traditions, given in alphabetical order.

Baha’i Faith

Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. Baha’u’llah, Gleanings

Buddhism

Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful. The Buddha, Udana-Varga 5.18

Christianity

In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Jesus, Matthew 7:12

Confucianism

One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct: lovingkindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Confucius, Analects 15.23

Hinduism

This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:1517

Islam

Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

Jainism

One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated. Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33

Judaism

What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it. Hillel, Talmud, Shabbath 31a

Native American Spirituality

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. Chief Seattle

Paganism (Roman)

The law imprinted on the hearts of all men is to love the members of society as themselves.

Sikhism

Treat others as thou wouldst be treated thyself. Guru Angad

Sufism

The basis of Sufism is consideration of the hearts and feelings of others. If you haven’t the will to gladden someone’s heart, then at least beware lest you hurt someone’s heart, for on our path, no sin exists but this.” Dr. Javad Nurbakhsh, Master of the Nimatullahi Sufi Order

Taoism

Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss. Lao Tzu, T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, 213-218

Unitarianism

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

Yoruba (Nigeria)

One going to take a pointed stick to pinch a baby bird should first try it on himself to feel how it hurts.

Zoroastrianism

Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself. Shayast-na-Shayast, 13.29

Sources: www.edminterfaithcentre.ca/goldrule.htm or www.scarboromissions.ca/Interfaith_dialogue/sacred_text.php (This site has several of the above available in French, Italian, Spanish and German as well as English. On this site, you can also order a poster which displays many of the above texts.)