One Apple A Day #619 - The Golden Rule
Do you know about the "golden rule"?
I didn't. Or better, I've been taught this rule since I was a kid, but I didn't know it has a name.
Using Wikipedia words, "the Golden Rule is the principle of treating others as you want to be treated".
It's a rule taught in many religions and cultures. You surely have heard it in one of its many forms:
Treat others as you would like others to treat you
Do not treat others in ways that you would not like to be treated
What you wish upon others, you wish upon yourself
Being raised a Catholic, I've learned it as a Jesus teaching; "Love your neighbour as yourself". And when Jesus was asked "who is my neighbour?", he said that "your neighbour is anyone in need".
I'll be back to this in a second. Before, let me jump to an ancient Mesoamerican civilisation.
"In Lak' ech Ala K'in" is a famous phrase in the Mayan tradition. In the traditional Mayan interpretation it means "I am you, and you are me". A modern-day version is "I am another yourself".
Whatever the meaning you prefer, it is a statement that recognises the oneness in human beings. It is a way of greeting someone else honouring the oneness and connection.
It's the recognition that we are one.
Funny enough, I found this word in the comment to a song on youtube. And searching for info about it, I discover that what I've been told as a kid is a "Golden Rule".
Back to my upbringing. I grew up thinking that this rule was all about reciprocity. If I behave well with others, then others will do the same with me. But there is a profound difference between setting rules for our behaviours and expanding our consciousness, so no rules are needed.
Rules, like the golden one, are useful as long as they help us raise in consciousness. Extending the concept, forms are effective when they help to grow and expand our energy. If we put all our focus on the form, the energy dries out, and we will be left with an empty shell. Maybe a golden one, but still empty.
Loving others as yourself, it's a not a rule, not even a golden one. It is an exercise to train your humanity and expand your consciousness.