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One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated - Jainism .... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you - Christianity .... None of you truly believes until you want for others what you want for yourself - Islam .... Treat not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful - Buddhism .... What is hateful to you do not do to your neighbour - Judaism ....
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Love in Return for Hatred

January 25, 2007

     If you want to see the brave, look for those who can forgive. If you want to see the heroic, look at those who can love in return for hatred. - Bhagavad Gita (Hindu scripture)

 "Love in return for hatred"? Difficult indeed. Our culture makes heroes out of those who avenge wrongdoing. Whether in action movies, with the star stalking the bad guys, or in real life, with thinly veiled revenge masquerading as justice to provide a rationalization for war.

 There are those who think that the Golden Rule denies justice. That it requires us to ignore the crimes of others because we would want our crimes ignored.

 That isn't true. To return love for hatred is not to ignore hatred. That leads to condoning hatred by implication. The Golden Rule calls us to resist hatred just as we would hope that others would resist those who hate us.

 A Golden Rule response to hatred prevents us from seeking revenge. It requires us to seek justice.

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