Reciprocity: June 2011

"Surplus wealth is a sacred trust

which its possessor is bound to administer

in his lifetime

for the good of the community."

World Religions and Ethics of Reciprocity

Zoroastrianism: "Do not unto others what is injurious to yourself." (Shayast-na-Shayast 13.29)
Unitarianism: "We affirm and promote respect for the interdependence of all existence of which we are a part."
Jainism: "One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated." (Mahavira, Sutravitanga)
Baha'i Faith: "Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to desire for yourself." (Baha'u'liah, Gleanings)
Sikkism: "I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all." (Guru Granth Sahib)
Judaism: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary." (Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31a)
Islam: "Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself." (the Prophet Muhammad, Hadith)
Buddhism: "Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." (Udana-Varga 5.18)
Native spirituality: "We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive." (Chief Dan George)
Taoism: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." (T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-18)
Hinduism: "This is the sum of duty: do not to others what would cause pain if done to you." (Mahabaratha 5:1517)
Christianity: "In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." (Jesus, Matthew 7:12)

Reciprocity