Shared Vision
Shared Values is an ongoing project that reminds us how the world’s religions share many core values. At Contemplative Interbeing, we work to put interreligious understanding into practice. And we have found that an important part of understanding is to learn – not only how and why we differ – but also, how we are similar. We can’t control belief, but we can control our behavior.
This project highlights excerpts from different faith communities’ holy texts showing the common threads weaving between different faith communities.
Click a HEADING below to expand and read.
The Golden RuleBaha’i
And if thine eyes be turned towards justice, choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself. Lawh’i ‘Ibn’i Dhib, “Epistle to the Son of the Wolf” 30
Buddhism
Hurt not others in ways you yourself would find hurtful. Udana-Varga, 5:18
Christianity
In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.Matthew 7:12
Confucianism
Do not unto others what you do not want them to do to you. Analects 15:13
Hinduism
This is the sum of duty: do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you. The Mahabharata, 5:1517
Islam
Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. Fortieth Hadith of an-Nawawi 13
Jainism
A man should wander about treating all creatures as he himself would be treated. Sutrakritanga 1:11:33
Judaism
What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the whole of the Torah; all the rest of it is commentary. Talmud, Shabbat 31a
Native American
Respect for all life is the foundation. The Great Law of Peace
Sikhism
Don’t create enmity with anyone as God is within everyone. Guru Granth Sahib, page 259
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
Zoroastrianism
That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good for itself.Dadistan-I-Dinik, 94:5
Baha’i:
For in … teachings [of all religions] we seek the spirit of charity and love to bind the hearts of men together. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 328
Buddhism:
There are three kinds of persons existing in the world: one is like a drought, one who rains locally, and one who pours down everywhere.
How is a person like a drought? He gives nothing to all alike, not giving food and drink, clothing and vehicle, flowers, scents and unguents, bed, lodging and light, neither to recluses and Brahmins nor to wretched and needy beggars. …
How is a person like a local rainfall? he is a giver to some, but to others he gives not. … How does a person rain down everywhere? He gives to all, but they recluses and Brahmins or wretched, needy beggars; he is a giver of food and drink, clothing…lodging and lights. In this way a person rains down everywhere. Itivuttaka 65
Christianity
[A]s a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want. 2 Corinthians 8:14
Confucianism
The accumulation of wealth is the way to scatter the people, and the letting it be scattered among them is the way to collect the people. Great Learning 10:9
Hinduism
Let the rich man satisfy one who seeks help
and let him look upon the long view:
For wealth revolves like the wheels of a chariot,
Coming now to one, now to another. Rig Veda 10:117:5
Islam
Every person’s every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it is a charity; a good word is a charity; every step you take in prayers is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity. Forty Hadith of an-Nawawi
Jainis
Charity–to be moved at the sight of the thirsty, the hungry, and the miserable and to offer relief to them out of pity–is the spring of virtue. Kundakunda, Pancastikaya 137
Judaism
“Ye shall walk after the Lord your God [Deutreonomy 13:4]. But how can a man walk after God who is a devouring fire? [Deuteronomy 4:24]. It means, walk after God’s attributes: clothe the naked, visit the sick, comfort the mourner, bury the dead. Talmud, Sota 14a
Judaism & Christianity
Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord delivers him in the day of trouble. Psalm 41:1
Shinto
Those who do not abandon mercy will not be abandoned by me. Oracle of the Kami of Itsukushima
Sikhism
He who earns by his own exertions,
And gives something out of his earnings in charity,
Nanak, has found the way to the Lord. Guru I, Sarang Rag
Taoism
Relieve people in distress as speedily as you must release a fish from a dry rill [lest he die]. Deliver people from danger as quickly as you must free a sparrow from a tight noose. Be compassionate to orphans and relieve widows. Respect the old and help the poor. Tract of the Quiet Way
African Indigenous Religions
It is not always physical bravery that counts. One must have the courage to face life as it is, to go through sorrows and always sacrifice oneself for the sake of others. African Traditional Religions Kipsigis Saying (Kenya)
Baha’i
Take pride not in love for yourselves but in love for your fellow-creatures. Glory not in love for your country, but in love for all mankind. Bahau’ullah, Tablets of Wisdom
Buddhism
Compassion is not at all weak. It is the strength that arises out of seeing the true nature of suffering in the world. Compassion allows us to bear witness to that suffering, whether it is in ourselves or others, without fear; it allows us to name injustice without hesitation, and to act strongly, with all the skill at our disposal. To develop this mind state of compassion…is to learn to live, as the Buddha put it, with sympathy for all living beings, without exception. Tenzin Gyatso, The 14th Dalai Lama
Christianity
All of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
Confucianism
All you have to do is take this very heart here and apply it to what is over there. Hence one who extends his bounty can bring peace to the Four Seas; one who does not cannot bring peace even to his own family. Confucianism: Mencius I.A.7
Hinduism
Find and follow the good path and be ruled by compassion. For if the various ways are examined, compassion will prove the means to liberation. Tirukkural 25: 241-242
Humanism
There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Islam
A man once asked the Prophet what was the best thing in Islam, and the latter replied, “It is to fed the hungry and to give the greeting of peace both to those one knows and to those one does not know.” Hadith of Bukhari
Jainism
Have benevolence toward all living beings joy at the sight of the virtuous, compassion and sympathy for the afflicted, and tolerance towards the indolent and ill-behaved. Tattvartha Sutra 7.11
Judaism
Deeds of loving-kindness are greater than charity. Sukkah, 49
Native American
Work together for the benefit of all Mankind. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed. Law of the Great Spirit
Shinto
To be helpful to others and in the world at large through deeds of service without thought of rewards, and to seek the advancement of the world as one whose life mediates the will of Kami. Jinja Shinto Principle
Sikhism
Compassion-mercy and religion are the support of the entire world. Japji (Sahib)
Taoism
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Lao Tzu
Zoroastrianism
Doing good to others is not a duty, it is a joy, for it increases our own health and happiness. Zoroaster
Baha’i
Yet, by the Living God, were there any true seeker, l would divulge it to him; for they have said: “Love is a light that never dweleth in a heart possessed by fear.” Baha’u’llah Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u’llah, p 212
Buddhism
Courage is not doing something in the absence of fear but knowing that something else is more important than fear. So we do it. Tsem Tulku Rinppoche
Christianity
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14 27
Confucianism
There are three marks of a superior man; being virtuous, he is free from anxiety; being wise, he is free from perplexity; being brave, he Is free from fear. Confucius
Hinduism
Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth. Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe Peace, peace, peace. Upanishads
Islam
And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. Qur’an 8.46 (San/h International)
Jainism
Only the one who has transcended fear can experience equanimity. Mahavrra (Sutrakrtanga 1/2/2/17)
Judaism
Do not fear for I am with you, be not discouraged for I am your God: I encouraged you, I also helped you, I a so supported you with My righteous hand. Isaiah 41:10
Kikuyuism
O Father, your power is greater than all powers.
O Son, under your leadership we cannot fear anything.
O Spirit, under your protection there Is nothing we cannot overcome. Kikuyu Prayer (Kenya)
Native American Wisdom: Shawnee
Live Your Life That The Fear Of Death Can Never Enter Your Heart. Trouble No one about his [or her] religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Tecumseh
Sikhism
For each and every person, our Lord and Master provides sustenance. Why are you so afraid, O mind?
The flamingos fly hundreds of miles, leaving their young ones behind. Who feeds them, and who teaches them to feed themselves? Have you ever thought of this in your mind? ShrI Guru Granth Sahib So Purakh (Section 03 – Part 001 )
Baha’i
The spiritually learned are lamps of guidance among the nations, and stars of good fortune shining from the horizons of humankind. Abdu’l-Bahá, The Secret of Divine Civilization, page 33
Buddhism
A good, all-round education, appreciation of the arts, a highly trained discipline and pleasant speech;this is the highest blessing. Sutta Nipata, verse 261
Christianity
Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding.Proverbs 4:7
Confucianism
The principle of learning consists in preserving man’s clear character. In giving new life to the people and in dwelling in perfection, or the ultimate good. Ta Hsueh (The Great Learning)
Hinduism
The raft of knowledge ferries even the worst to safety. Bhagavad Gita 4:36
Islam
The learned are the heirs of the Prophets and the Prophets do not leave an inheritance of dirhams and dinars, but only of knowledge. he who acquires knowledge acquires a vast portion. Hadith of the Prophet Mohammed
Judaism
[Wisdom] is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and whoever holds on to her is happy. Proverbs 3:18
Sikhism
True learning induces in the mind service of mankind. Adi Granth, Raga Asa, page 356
Taoism
For these four things are most useful to men, wisdom (combined with) courage, vision (combined with) knowledge, wealth (combined with) generosity, and good words (combined with) good deeds. Adarbad Mahraspandan, The Teachings of the Magi
African Traditional Religion (Idoma Prayer)
They gave the sacrifice to the East,
the East said, “Give it to the West,”
the West said, “Give it to God,”
God said, “Give it to Earth, for Earth is senior.”
Baha’i
We cannot segregate the human heart from the environment outside us and say that once one of these is reformed everything will be improved. Man is organic with the world. Baha’ullah (Secretary of Shoghi Effendi, from a letter dated 17 February 1933 to an individual believer)
Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. Its manifestations are diversified by varying causes, and in this diversity there are signs for men of discernment. Nature is God’s Will and is its expression in and through the contingent world. It is a dispensation of Providence ordained by the Ordainer, the All-Wise Bahau’ullah, Tablets of Wisdom
Buddhism
Let creatures all, all things that live,
All beings of whatever kind,
See nothing that will bode them ill!
May naught of evil come to them!
Vinaya Pitaka
Christianity
For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:4
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. 1 Corinthians 10:26 (also found in Psalm 24:1)
Confucianism
The natural world is not an object of our manipulation. It is a community of living, sentient beings that suffers or rejoices according to how it is treated by human beings. The scriptures teach that, for those who have eyes to see, nature is exquisitely sensitive to the spirit and attitude of people. The creation ‘groans in travail’ when it is misused and defiled, and rejoices when it can serve God through serving the children of God. Indeed, the virtuous person brings redemption to nature. Analects 4.1
Hinduism
The mode of living which is founded upon a total harmlessness towards all living creatures is of the highest morality. Mahabharata, Shantiparva
Islam
Do no mischief on the earth after it hath been set in order, but call on him with fear and longing in your hearts: for the Mercy of God is always near to those who do good.
Qur’an 7:56
To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth and all between them and all beneath the soil. Ayatul Kursi 020.006.
He it is who sends down water from the sky, and therewith we bring forth buds of every kind; we bring forth the green blade from which we bring forth the thick-clustered grain; and from the date-palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike. Look upon the fruit thereof, when they bear fruit, and upon its ripening. Lo! herein verily are signs for a people who believe. Qur’an 6:99
Jainism
Have benevolence towards all living beings. Tattvarthasutra
One should not injure, subjugate, enslave, torture, or kill any animal, living being, organism, or sentient being. This doctrine of nonviolence is immaculate, immutable, and eternal. Just as suffering is painful to you, in the same way it is painful, disquieting, and terrifying to all animals, living beings, organisms, and sentient beings. Acaranga Sutra 4.25-26
Judaism
When God created Adam, he showed him all the trees of the Garden of Eden and said to him: See my works, how lovely they are, how fine they are. All I have created, I created for you. Take care not to corrupt and destroy my universe, for if you destroy it, no one will come after you to put it right. Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7
Judaism and Christianity
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein.
Psalm 24:1
Native American (Okanagon Creation Story)
Thus all living beings came from the earth. When we look around, we see part of our Mother everywhere.
Native American (Suquamish Tribe)
Every part of this country is sacred to my people.
Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove
has been hallowed by some fond memory
or some sad experience of my tribe.
Even the rocks,
which seem to lie dumb as they swelter in the sun
along the silent shore in solemn grandeur
thrill with memories of past events
connected with the fate of my people
Chief Sealth, 1887
Shinto
Even in a single leaf of a tree, or a tender blade of grass, the awe-inspiring Deity manifests Itself. Urabe-no-Kanekuni
Sikhism
The earth is a garden,
The Lord its gardener,
Cherishing all, none neglected.
Adi Granth, Mahj Ashtpadi 1, M.3, p.118
Taoism
Humanity follows the Earth, the Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows what is natural. Tao Te Ching
Baha’i
Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If someone commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p.453.
Buddhism
Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world, through love alone they cease. This is an eternal law.Dhammapada 3-5
Christianity
Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’ Matthew 6:14
Confucianism
The superior man tends to forgive wrongs and deals leniently with crimes. I Ching 40: Release
Hinduism
It has been said that the continuation of species is due to man being forgiving. He, indeed, is a wise and excellent person who has conquered his wrath and shows forgiveness even when insulted, oppressed and angered by a strong person…Forgiveness is holiness and by forgiveness is it that the universe is held together. Mahabharata, Vana Parva, Section XXVIII
Islam
The best deed of a great man is to forgive and forget. (Shiite) Nahjul Balagha, Saying 201
Jainism
Subvert anger by forgiveness. Samanasuttan 136
Judaism
Who takes vengeance or bears a grudge acts like one who, having cut one hand while handling a knife, avenges himself by stabbing the other hand. Jerusalem Talmud, Nadarim 9:4
Sikhism
Where there is forgiveness, there is God himself. Adi Granth, Shalok, Kabir, p. 1372
Taoism
Show endurance in humiliation and bear no grudge. Treatise of Response and Retribution
Bahá’í
By faith is meant, first, conscious knowledge, and second, the practice of good deeds.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’i World Faith, p. 383
Buddhism
Whoever, by a good deed, covers the evil done, such a one illumines this world like the moon freed from clouds. Dhammapada 173
Christianity
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9
Hinduism
The wise see knowledge and action as one; they see truly. Bhagavad Gita 5.4, 5
Islam
(And) lo! those who believe and do good works are the best of created beings. Qur’an 98.7 (Pickthall)
Judaism
I call heaven and earth to witness: whether Jew or Gentile, whether man or woman, whether servant or freeman, they are all equal in this: that the Holy Spirit rests upon them in accordance with their deeds! Midrash, Seder Eliyahu Rabbah 10
Native American: Shenandoah
It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace. Shenandoah
Sikhism
Without good deeds heaven is not attained. Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Taoism
Anything evil refrain ye from doing; all good deeds do! Yin Chih Wên, The Tract of the Quiet Way
Baha’i
One amongst His Teachings is this, that love and good faith must so dominate the human heart that men will regard the stranger as a familiar friend, the malefactor as one of their own, the alien even as a loved one, the enemy as a companion dear and close. (Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha)
Buddhist
If beings knew, as I know, the fruit of sharing gifts, they would not enjoy their use without sharing them, nor would the taint of stinginess obsess the heart and stay there. Even if it were their last bit, their last morsel of food, they would not enjoy its use without sharing it, if there were anyone to receive it. (Itivuttaka 18)
Christian
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the King will answer them, “Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)
Hindu
Let a person never turn away a stranger from his house, that is the rule. Therefore a man should, by all means, acquire much food, for good people say to the stranger: “There is enough food for you.” (Taitiriya Upanishad 1.11.2)
Jewish
For the Lord your G-d is G-d supreme and Lord supreme, the great, the mighty, and the awesome G-d, who shows no favor and takes no bribe, but upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and befriends the stranger, providing him with food and clothing. You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17)
Muslim
Do good unto your parents, and near of kin, and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbor from among your own people, and the neighbor who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, the wayfarer, and your servants. (Holy Quran, verse 4:36)
Secular Humanism
To feel the intimacy of brothers is a marvelous thing in life. To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life. But to feel the affection that comes from those whom we do not know, from those unknown to us, who are watching over our sleep and solitude, over our dangers and our weaknesses—that is something still greater and more beautiful because it widens out the boundaries of our being, and unites all living things. (Pablo Neruda)
Sikh
None is our enemy, none is stranger to us, we are in accord with one and all. (Guru Granth Sahib)
Native American
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting a passing friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. (Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Nation)
Bahá’í
By faith is meant, first, conscious knowledge, and second, the practice of good deeds.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’i World Faith, p. 383
Buddhism
Whoever, by a good deed, covers the evil done, such a one illumines this world like the moon freed from clouds. Dhammapada 173
Christianity
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone…For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead. James 2:24,26
Confucianism
The Teacher said, “Knowledge is the beginning of action and action is the completion of knowledge…Knowledge and action should not be separated.” Complete Works of Wang Yang-ming, Instruction for a Practical Living, 1:22b
Hinduism
The wise see knowledge and action as one; they see truly. Bhagavad Gita 5.4, 5
Islam
Be mindful of your duty [to God], and do good works; and again, be mindful of your duty, and believe; and once again: be mindful of your duty, and do right. Allah loves those who do good to others. Qur’an 5.93
Judaism
I call heaven and earth to witness: whether Jew or Gentile, whether man or woman, whether servant or freeman, they are all equal in this: that the Holy Spirit rests upon them in accordance with their deeds! Midrash, Seder Eliyahu Rabbah 10
Native American: Shenandoah
It is no longer good enough to cry peace, we must act peace, live peace and live in peace. Shenandoah
Sikhism
Heaven is not attained without good deeds. Adi Granth, Ramkali-ki-Var, M.1, p. 952
Taoism
Anything evil refrain from doing; all good deeds do! Tract of the Quiet Way
African Proverb
To Listen…
One must talk little and listen much.
Buddhism
To renounce hatred…
Let us live happily, without hate amongst those who hate. Let us dwell unhating amidst hateful men. (Dhammapada 197-200)
Christianity
To follow the Golden Rule…
Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (1 Corinthians 10.24)
Native American
To share…
Do not seek to benefit only yourself, but think of other people also. If you yourself have an abundance, do not say, “The others do not concern me, I need not bother about them!” (Yamana Eskimo Initiation)
Hinduism
To honor work…
Set your heart upon your work, but never on its reward. Work not for a reward; but never cease to do your work. (Bhagavat Gita)
Islam
To be kind…
Enjoin kindness and forbid iniquity (Qur’an 31.17)
Jainism
To forgive…
Subvert anger by forgiveness. (Samanasuttam 136)
Judaism
To care for the needy…
Clothe the naked, visit the sick, comfort the mourner, bury the dead. (Talmud, Sota 14a)
Shinto
To be honest…
Follow honesty without fail. (Oracle of Amaterasu at the Kotai Shrine)
Sikhism
To practice peace…
No one shall cause another pain or injury;
All mankind shall live in peace together.
(Adi Granth, Sri Raga, M.5, p. 74)
Taoism
To be selfless…
Embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness. (Lao Tzu)
Zoroastrianism
To prosper…
Let one practice here good industry; let one make the needy prosperous.
(Avesta Visparad 15.1)
Baha’i
We call upon the manifestations of the power of God…to bestir themselves and do all in their power that haply they may banish discord from this world. Tablets of Baha’u’llah, p 130 [14]
Buddhism
bodhisattvas (enlightened beings) of great strength delight in reconciliation of conflict. Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti 8
Christianity
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9
Hinduism
May we agree in mind and thought, may we not struggle with one another, in a spirit displeasing to the gods! Atharva Veda VII, 52.2
Islam
Make not Allah’s name an excuse in your oaths against doing good or acting rightly or making peace between persons. Qu’ran 2:224
Judaism
The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace. Talmud, Gittin 59b
Secular Humanism
There lies before us, if we choose, continual progress in happiness, knowledge, and wisdom. Shall we, instead, choose death, because we cannot forget our quarrels? We appeal as human beings to human beings: Remember your humanity, and forget the rest. Bertrand Russell, Russell-Einstein Manifesto
Sikhism
Now is the gracious Lord’s ordinance promulgated, no one shall cause another pain or injury; all mankind shall live in peace together. Adi Granth, Sri Raga, M.5
Taoism
If problems are accepted, and dealt with before they arise, they might even be prevented before confusion begins, in this way peace may be maintained. Tao-te Ching 31
Baha’i
A Bahá’í denies no religion; he accepts the Truth in all, and would die to uphold it. He loves all men as his brothers, of whatever class, of whatever race or nationality, of whatever creed or color, whether good or bad, rich or poor, beautiful or hideous. He commits no violence; if he is struck he does not return the blow. ‘Abdu’l-Baha
Buddhism
One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings on is called noble. Dhammapada
Christianity
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Matthew 5:38-40
Hinduism
Nonviolence (Ahimsa) is the highest virtue, nonviolence is the highest self-control, nonviolence is the greatest gift, nonviolence is the best suffering, nonviolence is the highest sacrifice, nonviolence is the finest strength, nonviolence is the greatest friend, nonviolence is the greatest happiness, nonviolence is the highest truth, nonviolence is the greatest teaching. Mahabharata 13.117.37-38.*
Islam
Good and evil are not equal; repair the evil done to you with something that is better. Then the enemy who did evil to you may turn into a close and true friend. Qur’an 41:34
Jainism
To kill any living being amounts to killing one self. Compassion to others is compassion to one’s own self. Therefore, one should avoid violence like poison and the thorn (that cause pain). Mahavira Bhagavati Ardhana
Judaism
And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3
Sikhism
To act without understanding is to lose the treasure of this human life. Sri Guru Granth Sahib
Taoism
Weapons are ominous tools. They are abhorred by all creatures. Anyone who follows the Way shuns them. Tao Te Chin
* Metta Center for Nonviolence, Ahimsa. Ahimsa has multiple translations, while its best translation in English is nonviolence, it connotes love in action, not just the absence of violence.
Baha’i
Be kind to all people, love humanity, consider all mankind as your relations and servants of the most high God. Abdul-Baha, Foundations of World Unity, p. 73
Buddhism
The bodhisattva [enlightened being] should adopt the same attitude towards all beings, his mind should be even towards all beings, he should not handle others with an uneven mind, but with a mind which is friendly, well-disposed, helpful, free from aversions avoiding harm and hurts, he should handle others as if they were his mother, father, son, or daughter. Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines 321-22
Christianity
Love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this all men will know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 14:34-35
Confucianism
The man of perfect virtue, wishing to be established himself, seeks also to establish others; wishing to be enlarged himself, he seeks also to enlarge others. Analects 6:28:2
Hinduism
What sort of religion can it be without compassion? You need to show compassion to all living beings. Compassion is the root of all religious faiths. Basasvanna, Vachana 247
Islam
Be kind to parents, and the near kinsman, and to orphans, and to the needy, and to the neighbor who is of kin, and to the neighbor who is a stranger, and to the companion at your side, and to the traveler, and to [slaves] that your right hands own. 4:36-37
Judaism
Thou shalt neither view a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Leviticus 22:21
Shinto
Regard heaven as your father, earth as your mother, and all things as your brothers and sisters. Oracle of the Kami of Atsuta
Baha’i
One amongst His Teachings is this, that love and good faith must so dominate the human heart that men will regard the stranger as a familiar friend, the malefactor as one of their own, the alien even as a loved one, the enemy as a companion dear and close. (Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha)
Buddhist
If beings knew, as I know, the fruit of sharing gifts, they would not enjoy their use without sharing them, nor would the taint of stinginess obsess the heart and stay there. Even if it were their last bit, their last morsel of food, they would not enjoy its use without sharing it, if there were anyone to receive it. (Itivuttaka 18)
Christian
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:35)
Hindu
At the beginning, mankind and the obligation of selfless service were created together. “Through selfless service, you will always be fruitful and find the fulfillment of your desires”: this is the promise of the Creator…. (Bhagavad Gita 3.10)
Jain
Rendering help to another is the function of all human beings. (Tattvarthasutra 5.21)
Jewish
For the LORD your G-d is G-d supreme and Lord supreme, the great, the mighty, and the awesome G-d, who shows no favor and takes no bribe, but upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and befriends the stranger, providing him with food and clothing. You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17)
Muslim
I call to witness the early hours of morning, and the night when dark and still, your Lord has neither left you, nor despises you. What is to come is better for you than what has gone before; for your Lord will certainly give you, and you will be content. Did He not find you an orphan and take care of you? Did He not find you perplexed, and show you the way? Did He not find you poor and enrich you? So do not oppress the orphan, and do not drive the beggar away, and keep recounting the favors of your Lord. (Holy Quran, verse 93:1-11)
Secular Humanism
To feel the intimacy of brothers is a marvelous thing in life. To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life. But to feel the affection that comes from those whom we do not know, from those unknown to us, who are watching over our sleep and solitude, over our dangers and our weaknesses– that is something still greater and more beautiful because it widens out the boundaries of our being and unites all living things. (Pablo Neruda)
Sikh
The individual who performs selfless service without thought of reward shall attain God’s salvation. (Guru Granth Sahib)
Bahai’
Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. Be worthy of the trust of thy neighbor, and look upon him with a bright and friendly face. Be a treasure to the poor, an admonisher to the rich, an answerer of the cry of the needy, a preserver of the sanctity of thy pledge. Be fair in thy judgment, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show all meekness to all men. Be … a pillar of the temple of righteousness, a breath of life to the body of mankind, an ensign of the hosts of justice, a luminary above the horizon of virtue, a dew to the soil of the human heart, an ark on the ocean of knowledge, a sun in the heaven of bounty, a gem on the diadem of wisdom, a shining light in the firmament of thy generation, a fruit upon the tree of humility
Buddhist
May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free. May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another.
Christian
Merciful God, hear our prayer for a world that will respect the God-given rights of all. We dedicate ourselves to work for the rights of each human person, especially for those who find life a burden and who know the suffering of hatred, poverty and war. Help us to share the fire of your peace with all people in all places at all times.
Hindu
Swami Omkar’s Peace Prayer: Adorable Presence! Thou who art within and without, above and below and all around; Thou who art interpenetrating the very cells of our being—Thou who art the Eye of our eyes, the Ear of our ears, the Heart of our hearts, the Mind of our minds, the Breath of our breaths, the Life of our lives, and the Soul of our souls. Bless us Dear God, to be aware of Thy Presence Now and Here. This is all that we ask of Thee; May all be aware of Thy Presence in the East and the West, and the North and the South. May Peace and Goodwill abide among individuals as well as among communities and nations. This is our Earnest Prayer. May Peace be unto All.
Jain
Peace and Universal Love is the essence of the Gospel preached by all the Enlightened Ones. The Lord has preached that equanimity is the Dharma. I forgive all creatures, and may all creatures forgive me. Unto all have I amity, and unto none, enmity. Know that violence is the root cause of all miseries in the world. Violence in fact is the knot of bondage. “Do not injure any living being.” This is the eternal, perennial, and unalterable way of spiritual life. A weapon, however powerful it may be, can always be superseded by a superior one; but no weapon can be superior to nonviolence and love.
Jewish
When God created us, He made us in His own image, in the likeness of the divine. Both male and female He created; He blessed them, and at the time of their creation He called them Human. Therefore was a single human being created: to teach you that to destroy a single human soul is equivalent to destroying an entire world; and to sustain a single human soul is equivalent to sustaining an entire world.
Kikuyu
Praise ye Lord, Peace be with us. Say that the elders may have wisdom and speak with one voice. Peace be with us. Say that the country may have tranquility. Peace be with us. And the people may continue to increase. Peace be with us. Say that the people and the flock and the herds may prosper and be free from illness. Peace be with us. Say that the fields may bear much fruit and the land may continue to be fertile. Peace be with us. May peace reign over earth, may the gourd cup agree with [the] vessel. Peace be with us. May their heads agree and every ill word be driven out into the wilderness, into the virgin forest.
Muslim
Hazrat Inayat Khan’s Peace Prayer: Send Thy peace, O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace. Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may think, act, and speak harmoniously. Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts. Send Thy peace, O Lord, that amidst our worldly strife we may enjoy thy bliss. Send Thy peace, O Lord, that we may endure all, tolerate all in the thought of thy grace and mercy. Send Thy peace, O Lord, that our lives may become a divine vision, and in Thy light all darkness may vanish. Send Thy peace, O Lord, our Father and Mother, that we Thy children on earth may all unite in one family.
Native American
O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, we raise the pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace in mind. Let us learn to share all the good things that you provide for us on this Earth.
Shinto
Although the people living across the ocean surrounding us, I believe, are all our brothers and sisters, why are there constant troubles in this world? Why do winds and waves rise in the ocean surrounding us? I only earnestly wish that the wind will soon puff away all the clouds which are hanging over the tops of the mountains.
Sikh
God judges us according to our deeds, not the coat that we wear. Truth is above everything, but higher still is truthful living. Know that we attain God when we love, and only that victory endures in consequence of which no one is defeated.
Taoist
Lao-Tzu’s Peace Prayer: If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.
Zoroastrian
We pray to God to eradicate all the misery in the world, that understanding triumph over ignorance, that generosity triumph over contempt, and that truth triumph over falsehood.