The Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is the most basic requirement of harmonious human relations. But we are often confused about its meaning. If we are kind to someone will they automatically treat us kindly? Experience shows this doesn't necessarily happen. So what's the point?

How we treat others, both in thought and action, is really how we treat ourselves. For example, if we "hate" someone, that feeling is within us, corroding our happiness. If we lie to someone, we are not acting in harmony with our sense of truth, and this hurts us.

Kindness may or may not inspire kindness in return, but hostility, deceit, and harm will definitely return to us in some way. If we treat others with kindness, gentleness, understanding, honesty, and generosity, our reward will be our own inner peace and happiness.

"I will treat others as I wish to be treated."