Relationships II

The relationship with others begins with the relationship with Self. The great command to "love your neighbor as yourself" is found in 11 major religious texts.

Buddhism: “Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.” Udana Varga 5:18

Christianity: “All things whatsoever ye would do that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12

Judaism: “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18 (Jesus was quoting this verse)

Confucianism: “Is there any one maxim which ought to be acted upon throughout one’s whole life? Surely the maxim of loving-kindness is such.” Analects 15:23

Hebraism: “What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah and the remainder is but commentary. Go learn it.” Talmud. Attributed to Hillel

Hinduism: “This is the sum of duty: do naught to others which if done to thee, would cause thee pain.” Mahabarata 5:1517

Islam: “No one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” Traditions.

Jainism: “In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self, and should therefore refrain inflicting upon others such injury as would appear undesirable to us if inflicted upon ourselves.” Yogahastra 2:20

Sikhism: “As thou deemest thyself so deem others. Then shalt thou become a partner in heaven.” Kabir.

Taoism: “Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain: and regard your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.” T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien.

Zoroastrianism: “That nature is only good when it shall not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self.” Dadistan-i-dinik 94:5

Religion and spirituality are mutually exclusive to each other. Religion has long been used to control people and restrict their roles in society to serve self-appointed authorities. Spirituality applies the wisdom found in religious texts in service to your fellow human beings during your daily interactions.

Ultimately, life is a series of daily decisions. Love is the only thing that requires you to give it before you can claim to 'have' it. The more you give, the more you 'have' to give.

All things are possible for him who believes.