Eberhard Wunderlich
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Golden Rule is a monthly column from the members of the Princeton Clergy Association. This month’s author is Eberhard Wunderlich, PhD., secretary of Bahá’ís of Princeton.
The Golden Rule is a unifying foundation taught in all the religions of the world. As such, it serves to remind us that we all have a common heritage of spiritual and moral education. Furthermore, since education is the key to a better future, it follows that the Golden Rule must be the key to a better future for all. Let’s explore some specific teachings that illuminate the power of the Golden Rule combined with the unity that it reinforces.
The unity of humanity is well established today on a scientific basis. The science of genetics has established a unifying linkage among all peoples on earth. Despite this we can see many divisions and conflicts that keep us all from reaching our full potential. Meditation on the fundamental spiritual teachings in the world’s great religious texts can prepare us to open ourselves to the reality of the unity of the human family. The following are a few writings from the Bahá’í Faith on unity and the Golden Rule that provide inspiration for such meditation.
First a writing about our common creation and oneness:
“O Children of Men! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created. Since We have created you all from one same substance it is incumbent on you to be even as one soul, to walk with the same feet, eat with the same mouth and dwell in the same land, that from your inmost being, by your deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment may be made manifest. Such is My counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed ye this counsel that ye may obtain the fruit of holiness from the tree of wondrous glory.”
This first writing reminds us that we really do live as one, i.e., when we hurt others, we really hurt ourselves. When we help others, we are also helping ourselves.
Next a writing about the Golden Rule:
“Lay not on any soul a load which ye would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things ye would not desire for yourselves.”
An important principle here is that the Golden Rule involves both thought (or desire) and action. Since thoughts often precede action, it is vital we begin with good desires for one another. Our thoughts are focused by what we pray for. The Bahá’í prayer for humanity expresses our common desire for a better future for all:
O Thou kind Lord! Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household. In Thy Holy Presence they are all Thy servants, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy Tabernacle; all have gathered together at Thy Table of Bounty; all are illumined through the light of Thy Providence.
O God! Thou art kind to all, Thou hast provided for all, dost shelter all, conferrest life upon all. Thou hast endowed each and all with talents and faculties, and all are submerged in the Ocean of Thy Mercy.
O Thou kind Lord! Unite all. Let the religions agree and make the nations one, so that they may see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. May they all live together in perfect harmony.
O God! Raise aloft the banner of the oneness of mankind.
O God! Establish the Most Great Peace.
Cement Thou, O God, the hearts together.
O Thou kind Father, God! Gladden our hearts through the fragrance of Thy love. Brighten our eyes through the Light of Thy Guidance. Delight our ears with the melody of Thy Word, and shelter us all in the Stronghold of Thy Providence.
Thou art the Mighty and Powerful, Thou art the Forgiving and Thou art the One Who overlooketh the shortcomings of all mankind.
In summary, understanding the true unity of the human family helps us all to apply the Golden Rule to overcome divisions and conflicts and thereby reap benefits for all. The Golden Rule, therefore, is truly a key to a better future for the world.
