THE COMMON THREAD-The Ethic of Reciprocity (Part 1)

The Ethic of Reciprocity is actually a philosophical term for the basic moral principle which states that individuals should treat others in the same manner that they wish to be treated. Most of us are more familiar with this concept as the “Golden Rule”.

Have you noticed how great ideas are sometimes put forth by different people in different places, at the same time? This happens in science, when two independent sets of researchers come up with the same “breakthrough” at the same time, halfway around the globe from each other. It happens in songs or stories when two independent people or groups come up with a similar song or storyline at similar times.

It is not a huge leap to consider that the knowledge, the idea, existed, and the separate parties tuned into it at the same time, expressing it differently according to their own frames of reference and experience.

The Dalai Lama said, “Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, and sharing other people’s suffering. On these lines every religion has more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal.”

In spite of the different names that world religions have for the One God and the different forms of worship, consider a core tenet common to all: the Ethic of Reciprocity. The Golden Rule.

In the Christian Bible and the Tanakh of Judaism, Leviticus stressed providing hospitality for strangers, reminding the Hebrews that they, too, were once strangers in a foreign land.

The passage from 1 Corinthians in the Christian Bible reminds us that there are many kinds of gifts, received in different measure.

The gospel of Matthew states the principle that we have come to know as the Golden Rule.

This principle also appears in Luke, where it is followed by the parable of the Good Samaritan.

These illustrate the principle of positive action—not just to refrain from harming others, but to do for others as we would want done to us. This principle applies not just to one’s friends, family and neighbors, but to all. It is a foundation of peace and social justice.

The Ethic of Reciprocity is older than we can know. In an early written expression, an Egyptian papyrus from the Late Period (c. 1080-332 BCE) records, “that which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another.”

The Golden Rule was often expressed in ancient Greek philosophy. Sextus the Pythagorean said, “What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them.”

Among the “People of the Book,” the descendants of Abraham, Judaism’s version is, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary.”

In Islam’s teachings the Prophet Muhammad stated, “Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself.”

Zoroastrianism, which the Hebrews encountered during the Babylonian exile, instructs “Do not do unto others whatever is injurious to yourself.”

Among the Eastern faith traditions, Hinduism teaches: “This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.”

Sikhism, which grew out of Hinduism, teaches, “I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed I am a friend to all.”

Buddhism, originally a practice rather than a religion, teaches, “Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”

Confucianism, a Chinese ethical tradition, says, “One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct: … loving kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.”

Taoism, also originating in China, teaches, “Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.”

While it is implied in most faith traditions, some specifically state that this principle is extended to all creation, not just to human beings.

Unitarianism, which branched out of Christianity, stresses this universality by teaching, “We affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”

Native American spirituality teaches, “We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive. Respect for all life is the foundation”—this is the Great Law of Peace.

“There are many paths up the mountain, but the view of the moon from the top is the same.” I believe that one can reach the Truth by following any of these paths—wholeheartedly, as Ramakrishna invited.

The Ethic of Reciprocity is one common thread among the world religions. This core commonality is a clue to the mystery of Truth.