Photo credit: The Golden Rule by Norman Rockwell
Today is Golden Rule Day, a time to reflect upon the universal sweep of this reciprocal spiritual practice of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. It reminds us of the value of empathy and trying to walk a mile in their shoes. It nurtures our experience and practice of compassion. It challenges us to dethrone ourselves, put others first, and live in unity with all beings on the planet. Here are some ways to name this day:
Video Clips
- "Let's Revive the Golden Rule" Ted Talk by Karen Armstrong, one of S&P's Living Spiritual Teachers and the inspiring voice behind the Charter for Compassion.
- "Golden Rule Day Kick-Off" with Karen Armstrong
Films
"Animating the Golden Rule" by Tina Petrova, a Toronto film producer. It focuses on a group of Catholic high school students on a Golden Rule Retreat at Scarboro Missions. Working with a poster created by Paul McKenna, the youth break into groups and are given one of the 13 religions; their assignment is to animate this global spiritual teaching through a theatrical skit, a song, a musical. or poetic expression. After seeing some of the productions, the youth discuss the impact the Golden Rule can have upon the world and their individual lives.
Book Excerpts
Karen Armstrong on the Golden Rule, Jewish thought, and the important contributions of Confucius to this spiritual practice.
Children's Books
The Golden Rule by Rene Cooper, in which a grandfather explains to a young boy the meaning of this universal ethic.
Spiritual Practices
- A mirror practice from Drew Leder in Sparks of the Divine.
- Put yourself in the place of another human being and try to feel what he or she is feeling. Try consciously to do this every day for the rest of the week.
Art & Photography
Poster copyright by Paul McKenna. To see an enlarged version and find out where you can purchase a copy of the poster, visit: www.scarboromissions.ca