The Golden Rule
February 19, 2003
In what I'm hoping is going to be something of a trend, the introduction to the Analects identifies the central goal of a person as being moral. The essential aspect of being moral is manifesting benevolence. The essential nature of benevolence is encapsulated in the following: (00008Y)
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire. (XII.2) (00008Z)
TheGoldenRule. It's central to many faiths. It's nice. (000090)
Is there a similar rule: we do that which has been done to us? Eye for an eye is a manifestation of that? (000091)
I have a deep-seated bias that institutionalized authority is eminently capable of eye for an eye and not so good with the golden rule. I'm also aware that that bias is at least in part the result of me doing what has been done to me: Judge first, ask questions later. (000092)
Maybe while I'm reading the Dhammapada there will be some suggestions on how to break free from the endless cycle of hypocrisy that colors life. (000093)
Do not want. Do not do. Only be. (000094)
Tonight's reading will be in the Koran. (000095)
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