Those Eight Little Words:
The Golden Rule
In the Witches Creed, or the Wiccan Rede, we have all
become familiar with those eight little words; …If
it harms none, do what you will. ... or "Do what you
will, so long as it harms none."
These words are not unique, many have heard them
before in The Golden Rule. The Golden Rule is the
cornerstone of religious understanding. It is the
most complete expression of the Oneness of all people,
serving as the foundation for peace and universal
goodwill on earth.
The Golden Rule is expressed almost word for word in
every religion. So fundamental is it to all religious
thought that the founders and enlightened teachers of
every religion have commented on it directly.
Jesus referred to the Golden Rule as “the law and the
prophets.” Mohammed described it as “ the noblest
expression of religion.” Rabbi Hillel stated in the
Jewish Talmud that the Golden Rule is “ the whole of
the Torah and the remainder is but commentary.”
Vyasa, the enlightened Hindu sage, called it “ the sum
of all true righteousness.” Similarly, Buddha
referred to it as “ the sum of all righteousness.”
And Confucius, the great Chinese master, deemed it “
the one principle upon which one’s whole life may
proceed.”
Many people are taught from childhood that living the
Golden Rule is an ideal, without emphasizing the
practical benefits. When people look upon others as
extensions of themselves, all obstacles to fulfillment
are removed – both for individuals and society. When
the goals of every individual are supported by the
activities of every other person, the world has the
possibility to flourish in peace and prosperity. For
this reason, the Golden Rule should not be thought of
as a vague ideal. It is a practical principle that
embodies the deepest aspirations of humanity.
It serves as the basis for all that is positive and
lasting in human life.
The Golden Rules
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, for
this is the law and the prophets.
~Christianity
What is hurtful to yourself do not to your fellow man.
That is the whole of the Torah and the remainder is
but commentary.
~Judaism
Do unto all men as you would they should unto you, and
reject for others what you would reject for yourself.
~Islam
Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.
~Buddhism
Tzu Kung asked: “ Is there any one principle upon
which one’s whole life may proceed?” Confucius
replied: “Is not Reciprocity such a principle? – what
you do not yourself desire, do not put before others.”
~Confucianism
This is the sum of all true righteousness—
Treat others, as thou wouldst thyself be treated.
Do nothing to thy neighbor, which hereafter
Thou wouldst not have thy neighbor do to thee.
~Hinduism
Treat others as thou wouldst be treated thyself.
~Sikhism
A man should wander about treating all creatures as he
himself would be treated.
~Jainism
Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain; and
regard your neighbor’s loss as your own loss, even as
though you were in their place.
~Taoism
Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not
have ascribed to thee.
~Bahai
And.....Do What Thou Wilt shall be the challenge,
So be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment,
By magic of old, be it done!
Eight words the Witches Creed fulfill:
If It Harms None, Do What Thou Will!
~The Witches Creed