We have all heard about this 'rule', an idea that has been around in many religions. Spread through dogma, and an idea for internal happiness, and the more idealistic world peace. Wiccans and many pagans understand it as 'and it harm none, do as ye will' and idea properly spread by Crowley. Judeo Christians undestand it as 'do unto other's what you'd like be done to yourself', and so on, within other religious faiths, we see a present image of how we must love others as we would ourselves, and do not what wouldn't be wanted for us.
In the midst of so many pragmatic confusions, people seek spirituality as an aswer, a beakon if I may say so, inside of which refuge can or cannot be found. How does this common rule, reign supreme amongst everyone? How is it that this one statement, can cover a range of philosophical concepts, and even then go beyond by entering the theological approach?
I have grown to believe within my time studying religions, that this one rule covers almost all the concepts that religion tries to focus on. But then why, if this is the path within theoligies, do people find themselves unsatisfied, lost?
The truth is that, many people loose focus on the rule, and center themselves around aspects that do not hold the same significance.
The rule tells you to love, to treat fairly, and do good. Why? Because everyone loves themselves more than any body else.
-But I would give everything for my children...
-And what about people who commit suicide....
-I love my boyfriend more than myself....
You give your life for your kids because that makes YOU happy, you kill yourself because you love yourself so much you cannot stand the pain of suffering anymore, etc, etc,etc.
We love ourselves, it is why the rule fairly states, love as you would yourself, the highest position in your life, you. Who you wouldn't hurt.
The rule is to love, but understanding the greatness of love is another glitch that many people are uncapable of noticing. What exactly would you consider makes a person love you? Is it respect, and kindness, attention, and thoughtfullness? All of these must be examined, so you know exactly what it is you must be giving in return...to everyone. What you want, give.
And then here is another problem that I have stumbled across. Those who take out a main part of their belief because of a felt emotion. Hate, confussion, even love itself. How people change everything to get what they want.
And I have nothing against getting what you want, we all have to someday, it is within the human condition to look into desire and grasp it, or at least intend to.
I must point out, that this is an analysis of the Harm None, or Golden Rule, it does not mean you have to believe in this exact summary, or even believe in the rule at all.
Personally, when you bend the rules, for your own gain, you are going against that which you believe in.
And yes, I do agree that the Harm None is very optimistic, it is practically impossible to not do harm. We say it without meaning, or get involved into raw emotion; we take things that others may want more, it is inevitable.
But the rule isn't something that must be taken whole wordly, it's an idea that leads you to fulfillment, it brings gratification when people treat you right because you too have shown to be worthy. It is an idea, that can lead to hapiness, if only the user wishes to be part of it's grand options. The golden rule, or harm none, leads to many things, health, prosperity, and godd karma. It can strenghen your relationships, and open doors, when you have problems.
The concept of religion is happiness to your self. Not physical, but greater than money itself.
You follow the rule when:
-You respect people, and do not try to push your beliefs to them, because I am sure, you would not want this to be done to you.
-You give people compliments, just because they did something right.
-You take care of your body. (The rule also applies yourself).
-Measure your words and temper.
These are just some ideas that can help you start out or continue walking through the rule. It is not something that has to be done by force, if you don't believe it you don't. This is informative, to all the people that question the purpose, and what this simple statement involves.
Harm none, is in everything, when you eat, and sleep, and talk. Harming can come in so many facets it is hard to keep track and remember to watch ourselves.
Some of us on the other hand, follow it but have our limits, which is fine. Still remember what the objective of doing it is, caring for yourself.
Blessed be.
After examining how
Understanding Harm None
|
