As the international interfaith movement grows, it is becoming more common to use sacred texts from several religious traditions in both individual and communal prayer. Multi-faith prayer services are one context that frequently features sacred writings from many religions. In addition, the Golden Rule may be used for a variety of meditations. Scarboro Missions have provided just such one resource, free, online.
The simplicity, power and universality of the Golden Rule make it an excellent subject for meditation and reflection. Known also as the Ethic of Reciprocity, the Golden Rule emphasises values of mutuality, reciprocity and interdependence. Many regard it as the most concise and general principle of ethics.
The Golden Rule is arguably the most consistent and most prevalent ethical teaching in history. It is found in numerous cultures, religions, ethical systems, secular philosophies, indigenous (Native) traditions, and even in the mathematical sciences (e.g. the golden mean). And because the Golden Rule crosses so many traditions and philosophies, it possesses tremendous moral authority and reveals a profound unity underlying the diversity of human experience.
Given its omnipresence across history, the Golden Rule could be described as a universal ethic. In these Golden Rule meditation exercises, participants will thus be reflecting from the perspective of a universal wisdom.
You may immerse yourself in the Golden Rule Meditation Exercises here.
Representatives of the 13 religions featured on the Scarboro Missions Golden Rule Poster
