The Golden Rule

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Of course there are many other variations of this rule, and for very good reason. People from all walks of life all over the world have observed the truth in this concept for thousands of years. Here are a few examples:

• Hinduism: Do not to others what would be disagreeable to yourself.
• Buddhism: If one wishes to follow the Buddha’s teaching, he must not be egoistic or self-willed, but should cherish feelings of good will toward all alike. He should respect those who are worthy of respect, serve those who are worthy of service, and treat all others with uniform kindness. Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.
• Taoism: Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss as your own loss. He who will govern will respect the governed no more than he respects himself. If he loves his own person enough to let it rest in its original truth, he will govern others without hurting them.
• Confucianism: Confucius said, "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others."
• Zoroastrianism: That nature alone is good which shall not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self.
• Judaism: You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself. What is hateful to you, do not to your fellowmen.
• Islam: Wrong not, and ye shall not be wronged.
• Wiccan: Do no harm.
• Christianity: So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law of the prophets.
• Baha'i Faith: Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.
• Unitarianism: We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

This idea of universal reciprocity is so widely accepted because it has been proven time and time again. We may not see it's effect all the time, but we have seen it. Realizing now, that the effects of this reciprocity are only felt by the source of them, it is increasingly clear why we may not see the effect all the time. In other words, a person creates their karma based on the mind state that they are in. Only the person will know what they can accept and what will bring them suffering.

It is this choice that we all make on a continuous basis. Once we realize that we have this choice and are continuing to make it, we can stop the karmic wheel and make every choice one of accepting and adapting. Becoming one with the moment and the situation allows you freedom from 'negative' reciprocity since you literally transcend that concept. At the same time, being that you will have higher spirits because, "there are no negatives," you will attractive a higher vibrational reciprocity. In other words, you will attract more of the things that you want.

Karma works both ways. Why not use this principle of reciprocity to the advantage of Self instead of at a disadvantage to yourself?