It’s all about LOVE … (06/21/12)
The central tenet of all the world’s major religions (i.e. the Core Principle upon which almost every one of them was founded BEFORE becoming perverted by man-made dogma and superstitious zealotries) is essentially the same tenet — one that directly reflects a singular Truth: namely, that the “Way to Peace” is attained solely through acts of selfless compassion (what many call LOVE) — especially those acts given willingly & courageously (& repeatedly) to one’s enemies … In other words, Peace comes while being kind when least inclined.
Please consider …
Buddhism
“Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; through love alone they cease. This eternal law conquers anger with love. Conquer evil with goodness.” ~ Buddha (in the Dhammapada 5 & 223)
Christianity
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” ~ Paul (in Romans 12:21)
Confucianism
“He whose heart is in the smallest degree set upon goodness will dislike no one.” ~ Confucius (in Analects 4:3-4)
Hinduism
“One should never harm the wicked … or even criminals traditionally meriting death. A noble soul will ever exercise compassion, even towards those who enjoy injuring others … even to those of cruel deeds while they are actually committing them.” ~ Ramayana (in Yuddha Kanda 115)
Islam
“God will ordain love between you and those whom you hold as enemies. For God has power over all things; and God is most merciful.” ~ Muhammad (in the Qur’an 60:7)
Jainism
“Have benevolence towards all living beings, joy at the sight of the virtuous, compassion for the afflicted, and kindness towards the indolent and ill-behaved.” ~ unknown (in Tattvarthasutra 7:11)
Judaism
“Aid an enemy before you aid a friend.” ~ Tosefta (in Baba Metzia 2:26)
Mormonism
“They had rather sacrifice their lives than even to take the life of their enemy; and they have buried their weapons of war deep in the earth, because of their love towards their brethren.” ~ Book of Mormon (in Alma 26:32)
Sikhism
“Those who beat you with fists, do not pay them in the same coin. But go to their houses and kiss their feet.” ~ unknown (in Adi Granth, Shalok Farid pg. 1378)
Taoism
“I treat those who are good with goodness, and I also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained … Do good to him who has done you an injury.” ~ Lao Tsu (in the Tao Te Ching verse 49 & 63)
Zoroastrianism
“May love triumph over contempt.” ~ unknown (in Yasna 60:5)
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