Attendees: Zia- Pakistan, Naoufal- Morocco, Augusto - Brazil, Sharon -Philippines, Aynte- Somalia, Sarah- USA, Anqa – Pakistan, Rowaida – Lebanon, A.O. – UAE, Vrajapati – India, Nyambura - Kenya
[07:48] Sarah from California, US: while we are waiting for the others, you can visit this website: http://www.scarboromissions.ca/Golden_rule/sacred_texts.php to see the Golden Rule as written in different traditions
[07:55] Sarah from California, US: welcome, friends!
[07:55] Naoufal: hello to alla ; naoufal from morocco ;
[07:56] Naoufal: yes of course i was with you , i miss all my nice freinds
[07:56] Sarah from California, US: we do, too
[07:57] Naoufal: Naoufal from morooco , im the URI youth ambassador , in the salam chabab CC memeber
[08:00] Sarah from California, US: well, we are hoping that Mussie will be able to join us, but we can get started for now
[08:00] Sarah from California, US: he said sometimes there are power cuts
[08:01] Sarah from California, US: I would love to start out by reading the Golden Rule in different traditions
[08:01] Sarah from California, US: http://www.scarboromissions.ca/Golden_rule/sacred_texts.php
[08:01] Sarah from California, US: here is a link where you can read them...
[08:02] Sarah from California, US: in fact, there is nothing from the Brahma Kumaris on the sacred texts link i just shared, so i wonder if you would like to share a passage with us that conveys the "Golden Rule" in the BK tradition?
08:04] BK Augusto Brazil: In fact, the main aspect of our practise is to consider yourself to be a soul and remember the Supreme Father.
[08:04] BK Augusto Brazil: but on the basis of these golden rules, I could tell
[08:04] BK Augusto Brazil: that it would be something like
[08:05] BK Augusto Brazil: see yourself as a soul and the others as your spiritual brothers
[08:05] Sharon from Philippines: Namaste everyone!
[08:05] BK Augusto Brazil: in this way, we wouldn't do the bad for the others.
[08:06] Sarah from California, US: that's great, Augusto, thank you for sharing
[08:06] Sarah from California, US: Sharon, we were just looking at the following link: http://www.scarboromissions.ca/Golden_rule/sacred_texts.php to see the Golden Rule as written in different traditions
[08:07] Sarah from California, US: maybe we can each share one of the texts that speaks to us - it can be from our own or from another tradition?
[08:07] Sharon from Philippines: Great, will read it to catch on.
[08:07] Sarah from California, US: i like this one from the Jain tradition: One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.
Mahavira, Sutrakritanga 1.11.33
[08:07] Sarah from California, US: because it includes all living beings, not just humans
[08:08] Sharon from Philippines: Personally, the lines from Hinduism
This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.Mahabharata 5:1517
[08:09] Sharon from Philippines: speak a lot to me. This is because it deals with what is our DUTY>
[08:09] Sharon from Philippines: Duty for me, refers to acting from our morality. What is inherently good in each one of us.
[08:10] Sarah from California, US: yes, i also see it like "our life purpose"
[08:10] Sharon from Philippines: So by virtue of our motives, which are inherently good. Our actions will turn out to be positive as well.
[08:11] Sarah from California, US: would anyone else care to share a passage from your tradition or another that relates?
[08:12] Mr.Aynte: very good
[08:12] zia from pakistan: Anyone who saved one life, has saved Humanity. Saying bt Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon HIm
[08:13] Sarah from California, US: wonderful, Zia... this is a beautiful thought
[08:13] Mr.Aynte: and anyone who killed someone, it is as though he killed the whole mankind
[08:14] Sarah from California, US: it is interesting that each of these sayings do not discriminate the treatment based on religion or class or creed
[08:14] zia from pakistan: wonder why Humans kill themselves in the name of religion and customs
[08:14] Sarah from California, US: yes, good question
[08:15] A.O.: that's true Sarah
[08:15] zia from pakistan: the interests involved urge them to go for this
[08:15] BK Augusto Brazil: they just use their religions and customs for their own interests...
[08:15] Sarah from California, US: why, when each of our religions has at the heart of it this golden rule, why do so many people seem to act in ways that would go against this, especially "in the name of religion"??
[08:16] zia from pakistan: no religion asks to go for killing others in the name of beliefs
[08:16] Anqa from Pakistan: hi all
[08:17] Sarah from California, US: we were just discussing the golden rule in different traditions
[08:17] A.O.: I also like how the golden rule from the Judaic tradition emphasizes the importance of not harming neighbours as the main core of the Torah, and the rest being commentary..it speaks very strongly to the human soul
[08:17] zia from pakistan: dear sarah ,this all is done when we do not think for religious beliefs but we are thinking for ourselves only
[08:17] Sarah from California, US: would you like to share a passage from your christian tradition that relates?
[08:17] Sarah from California, US: yes, A.O.
[08:18] Sarah from California, US: i like how the sikh tradition talks about being a stranger to no one... this reminds me of the story of the good Samaritan in the Bible
[08:18] Sarah from California, US: if we were not able to look at other people as strangers, then we would care for everyone
[08:18] Sarah from California, US: and like sharon was saying, we would see it as our duty to look after them
[08:18] Anqa from Pakistan: Sarah will u please summarize for me what actually that golden rules mean.
[08:19] zia from pakistan: My country is a prey to the killing in the name of religion
[08:19] Naoufal: yes, it is what characterizes all belief, there are wonderful things to be addressed, for example in Islam, in addition to the reminder for the existing content on the connection,
[08:19] Sharon from Philippines: You make a very valid point there, Sarah. All religions have the golden rule at the heart of them.
[08:19] Naoufal: Islam says, every person has a religion, and everyone believes in religion, it should recognize the rest of the heavenly
[08:19] rowaida: HI ALL SORRY BEING LATE I JUST CAME BACK HOME
[08:19] Naoufal: religions and because the Koran said that religions and heavenly books, And each of these things, among which stem from every religion, is positive about the spiritual in the human
[08:19] Sarah from California, US: what do you all think is a good way to sum up the golden rule?
[08:19] Sharon from Philippines: But this can fall prey to misunderstandings of the translations from people...
[08:19] Sarah from California, US: Welcome, Rowaida!
[08:20] rowaida: thx
[08:20] Sharon from Philippines: I think RESPECT for every human being. Despite differences in ideas, ways of thinking, and acting SHOULD be present all the time.
[08:20] Sarah from California, US: Zia - you bring up a good point... How do you think the golden rule could be used to help people stop the killing committed in the name of religion?
[08:20] Naoufal: And to see this could be a problem to build a culture and community that you might be more open to other cultures and communities,
[08:21] Naoufal: though it be mixed cultures, including Islamic and Jewish, and What is near the Christian community of Europe, have a significant impact on the community
[08:21] zia from pakistan: Promoting tolerance and patience related golden rules
[08:21] A.O.: I think zia mentioned a very important point which is patience
[08:22] Sarah from California, US: how does patience apply?
[08:22] Anqa from Pakistan: but it depend also on area and the psyche of the people living there
[08:22] Sarah from California, US: do you think that people's psyche can be changed Anqa?
[08:23] A.O.: because many times the "other" community, neighbour etc, can be perceived as unjust or violent thus instigating a violent retaliation in return instead of patience and a trial to apply the golden rules
[08:23] Sarah from California, US: we talked about the Holocaust a few chats ago... and looked at how people's perceptions of Jewish people were corrupted over time
[08:23] Anqa from Pakistan: like in Christians tolerance is main rule but when they see others doing bad behaviour then they also become harsh
[08:23] Sarah from California, US: i see, A.O.... so patience as it relates to how to respond to conflict
[08:23] zia from pakistan: if you look at the lives of leaders of all religions, you will see their life as an explicit example of Patience and tolerance and affection
08:24] A.O.: exactly
[08:24] Anqa from Pakistan: Sarah it takes long time to change... but we can try to start it
[08:24] Sharon from Philippines: I'm not sure if you all are familiar with the works of the philosopher Levinas... but what he says is all about Encountering the Other.
[08:24] Sharon from Philippines: What is very important is he says that we must become ONE with the OTHERS.
[08:24] zia from pakistan: yes change does not come in a day
[08:24] Sarah from California, US: zia, can you give an example of a religious leader who to you is a wonderful example of patience and tolerance and affection?
[08:24] zia from pakistan: we should never quit from changing cycle
[08:25] Anqa from Pakistan: thats the point sharon
[08:25] A.O.: i was just reading today that just as "war/conflict" needs to be studied and well prepared for, funded etc, peace and tolerance also needs education, preparation and adoption by people
[08:25] Sarah from California, US: intresting, Sharon... who is Levinas?
[08:25] BK Augusto Brazil: In Portuguese, the word "patience" is "paciência", which means to be aware of the peace.
[08:25] Anqa from Pakistan: do you people know Chiara Lubic
[08:25] Sarah from California, US: that is beautiful, Augusto!
[08:25] zia from pakistan: Yes there are many from the life of Prophet Muhammad when he forgave all his opponents when he conquered MAkkah
[08:26] A.O.: that's so beautiful Augusto, I didn't know that before
[08:26] Anqa from Pakistan: She gave same point One with Others
[08:26] BK Augusto Brazil: So, people create conflicts, because they are not aware that peace is within themselves.
[08:26] Sarah from California, US: A.O., that is a very important point! about investing money and research into the study of peace!
[08:26] Sarah from California, US: yes, augusto, ultimately the peace has to be present within in order to reflect it outwardly
[08:27] Naoufal: Dear the problem of old religions, there are many of the elders of the religious, for example in the Islamic world, the so-called leaders,
[08:27] zia from pakistan: i believe that intercommunity dialogues in person can change the world
[08:27] Sharon from Philippines: Thank you for that Augusto! @ Sarah - Emmanuel Levinas is a philosopher, who'se study focuses on encountering the other.
[08:27] Naoufal: but in the view of representing themselves, because they speak the Bohoaihm away from religion, one of them from cultivating a culture of violence
[08:27] Naoufal: and of whom speak only, not as popular as it became every human being, knows little of religion and calls himself a religious leader, and when you reflect on religion, be acquitted of Ktabthm violent
[08:27] Anqa from Pakistan: surely the main point should create within ourselves
[08:28] Sharon from Philippines: His philosophy has been called "ethics"
[08:28] Naoufal: the leaders of violent spokers ,
[08:28] Sharon from Philippines: He deals with how to interact with people, precisely the other.
[08:28] Anqa from Pakistan: here its tradition that each person have there own views n they say we are religious leaders
[08:28] Sarah from California, US: yes, naoufal, i think i see your point is that some leaders are calling themselves "religious leaders" without understanding the true message of their faith
[08:29] Sarah from California, US: Sharon and others - do you think the Golden Rule could be used to promote a universal ethic?
[08:29] A.O.: my answer is certainly yes!
[08:29] Naoufal: yes sarah
[08:29] zia from pakistan: no religion says that there should be specified people to handle .but its we who have created this
[08:29] A.O.: if we examine virtually all of the rules from different faiths..the message is strikingly similar
[08:29] Sarah from California, US: it seems like something many religions could use as a way to speak with their own moral authority, and to unite with other religions in a joint moral authority
[08:30] Sharon from Philippines: Yes, Sarah. I totally agree. But before I expound on that.
[08:30] Anqa from Pakistan: yes because i was reading the rules you sent me Sarah they have same teaching with different words
[08:30] Sharon from Philippines: May I just share something from the Hindu faith?
[08:30] BK Augusto Brazil: Yes, definitely. I think the main point is to make emerging the consciousness of brotherhood.
[08:30] Sarah from California, US: yes sharon jump in!
[08:30] Sharon from Philippines: There is a fundamental prayer that goes "Sarve bhavantu sukhinahah.."
[08:30] Sharon from Philippines: When translated it goes: May all beings be happy
08:31] Sharon from Philippines: Every one here refers to the entire creation, to all sensuous beings including plants, animals and human beings.
[08:31] Sharon from Philippines: Although this prayer is in Sanskrit and though this is given in the so called Hindu scriptures, when the sages say “sarve…” they do not exclude non- Hindus.
[08:31] Sharon from Philippines: the prayer does not say, I pray God to give happiness to Hindus only and you do not deserve my prayers if you are not a Hindu!
[08:32] Anqa from Pakistan: Same teaching we have... Peace is for all.
[08:33] Sarah from California, US: yes, i think the point here is that, if we saw each other the way God, the Divine, (or however you describe it) sees us... then we would not discriminate against each other...
[08:33] Sharon from Philippines: Right, I believe this is present in other religions as well.
[08:33] Sharon from Philippines: Yes, I think people don't do good to others, because they think that fear of punishment may change a person to become a good man.
[08:33] Sarah from California, US: beautiful, i love hearing the messages conveyed in different ways... this is powerful. you see the fabric that we are all connected to
[08:33] Naoufal: the first step for real peace , to build the cuture of tolerance ; each person must know each other , to stop thinking negatively of others
[08:34] Sharon from Philippines: But this isnt the case. In fact, I think the opposite happens. Fear of punishment may not change a person to become a good man and in fact it can make him worse!
[08:34] vrajapati: guest is vrajapati
[08:34] Anqa from Pakistan: but we should try to take all the good teachings and golden rules of all religions to one platform
[08:34] Sarah from California, US: Hare Krishna, Vrajapati!
[08:34] BK Augusto Brazil: Sarah spoke something very good: of seeing others as God see us.
[08:34] Sarah from California, US: yes, Anqa, that is a very good suggestion
[08:34] vrajapati: Hare Krishna! This is my first chat!
[08:34] Sarah from California, US: and i want to share something with you all, since Mussie is not here
[08:34] Sarah from California, US: Welcome!
[08:34] A.O.: Hare Krshna Varajapati..so nice to have you here
[08:35] Anqa from Pakistan: we try to apply it in our small youth group
[08:35] Sarah from California, US: Mussie has been working to make April 5th the Golden Rule Day
[08:35] BK Augusto Brazil: And I'm sure that God doesn't see us as Muslims, Cristhians, Jewishs etc
[08:35] BK Augusto Brazil: but as His beloved children...
[08:35] A.O.: golden rule day in all countries, sarah??
[08:35] Sarah from California, US: and we can raise up the Golden Rule on this day, in our own communities, and in the passages that relate, to share the message of the Golden Rule locally and globally
[08:35] Sarah from California, US: yes!
[08:36] A.O.: thats great!
[08:36] Sarah from California, US: if you go here: http://www.uri.org/community/taxonomy/term/127
[08:36] Sarah from California, US: you will find a number of resources that relate to the Golden Rule day
[08:36] Sarah from California, US: there is a proclamation you can issue
[08:37] Sarah from California, US: practical tips for living and promoting the Golden Rule
[08:37] Sarah from California, US: and links to the Scarboro Mission website where they even have guidelines for workshops you can run about the Golden Rule
[08:37] Sharon from Philippines: True.. I think seeing the goodness in all is the first step in our spiritual journey.
[08:38] Sarah from California, US: Vrajapati - is there a passage from the Hindu Vaisnavite tradition that promotes the golden rule?
[08:38] Anqa from Pakistan: like in our group muslim (sunni, sheas) christians all sit together and we discuss our religious teachings
[08:39] Anqa from Pakistan: and all discussion is tried in positive way
[08:39] Sarah from California, US: wonderful, Anqa, this is a nice example
[08:39] Sharon from Philippines: I believe that once we start recognizing that everyone is ‘my own ‘. this paves the way to peaceful coexistence.
[08:40] Sarah from California, US: are any of the others of you doing projects like this - to promote the religious dialogue in your communities?
[08:40] Sharon from Philippines: When we think of goodness all the time, then all good aspects of our personality such as love and compassion, sharing and caring become visible and we get controlled by these good qualities.
[08:40] vrajapati: yes!
[08:41] Sharon from Philippines: I'd just like to share that my youthgroup has created a small booklet on the Golden Rule called WAYS OF PEACE which has the golden rule in different religions.
[08:41] Anqa from Pakistan: sharing is main thing we should never try to impose any thing
[08:41] Sarah from California, US: oh yes, the Ways of Peace is excellent!
[08:41] Sarah from California, US: do you have it online Sharon?
[08:42] Sharon from Philippines: Actually, I don’t have the soft copy of it.
[08:42] Sarah from California, US: Rowaida, Vrajapati, Aynte, is there anything you three would like to share in relation to the Golden Rule or in terms of projects in your own communities?
[08:42] Sharon from Philippines: But its a small pamphlet that you can easily distribute to the people, which can even fit into their wallets to remind them every day to live out the Golden Rule.
08:43] A.O.: that's very interesting Sharon!!
[08:43] Sarah from California, US: yes, sharon, i wanted to include it in the ambassador toolkit but i couldn't find any copies in the office unfortunately... but it's a great resource!
[08:43] Anqa from Pakistan: So it works Sharon
[08:44] Anqa from Pakistan: then I will also need a copy of it... thats really good idea.
[08:44] vrajapati: 1. This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you. Mahabharata 5:15:517. (Hinduism)
[08:44] Naoufal: i work now for same projects in the ground , for the youth camps and youth environment ; social actions , for youth from different contexts and different religions working together ; in morocco and the arab world
[08:44] Sharon from Philippines: Not to worry Sarah. We will be distributing it to the 5 ambassadors who will be at the YLP-SEAPAC.
[08:44] Naoufal: and i work now to sharing the same youth moroccan muslmun and jwish , to sharing the toelrance way here in morocco , to other youth in arab world learn more
[08:45] Naoufal: of the youth jewish and muslims work togheter ; because this is the new culture in arab world
[08:45] Sarah from California, US: great, naoufal... how do you bring the jewish and muslim students together?
[08:45] vrajapati: 2. All living entities are My eternal fragmental portions (children) – Bhagavadgita
08:46] Naoufal: I think we hope a lot of work ; in morocco it is normal , but in arab world lot of obstacle
[08:46] Sarah from California, US: that's beautiful - Vrajapati... i love this it is very poetic... to see each one of us as the fragmental portion of eternity making up the divine
[08:47] Sarah from California, US: yes Naoufal, is it rare for Jews and Muslims to get together in Morocco?
[08:47] Naoufal: In morocco and tunisia it is normal ; but in algeria there are a lot of original jewish people ;we have lot of problems in algeria , and we need to organize action for the jewish community in algeria
[08:47] Naoufal: in morocco it is normal; big solidarity between jewish and muslim
[08:48] Sarah from California, US: yes, that makes sense... since it was a haven for jewish people in the wartime...
[08:48] Anqa from Pakistan: that is good.. who is majority
[08:48] Sarah from California, US: Aynte - do you have anything you would like to share?
[08:49] Sarah from California, US: friends, i wanted to share something from one of the earlier participants on the chat, Zia, from Pakistan
[08:49] Sarah from California, US: it is a nice example of the golden rule in action
[08:50] Sarah from California, US: as a Muslim, he has helped a young Christian boy to improve his education and get a better job
[08:50] Sarah from California, US: i love hearing the stories of the golden rule at work in interfaith ways...
[08:50] Sharon from Philippines: Beautiful indeed!
[08:51] Naoufal: yes , i know in lebanon ; an association of muslim background helps the Christian children to study
[08:52] Sarah from California, US: that is also a great example... wouldn't it be nice to share some of these examples publicly on the golden rule day?
[08:52] Anqa from Pakistan: In our group there is a muslim girl they are 6 sisters and no brother... our one christian fellow is her brother now he arranged everything for her marriage and performed duties as real brother
[08:53] Sarah from California, US: that is wonderful, Anqa!
[08:53] Sarah from California, US: is it the duty of a brother to arrange the marriage of his sister?
[08:53] Naoufal: yes , super , anqa
[08:53] Anqa from Pakistan: yes in Pakistan brothers do all this
[08:54] Anqa from Pakistan: and after marriage they take both bride and groom back to their home for one or two days
[08:55] Anqa from Pakistan: and he performed all duties by and took leave of one week from his job
[08:55] Sarah from California, US: did this Christian man volunteer to be her brother? that is really kind of him
[08:56] Sarah from California, US: anyone else like to share an example of the golden rule between people of different religions?
[08:56] Anqa from Pakistan: no they were friends at first and then by seeing all her problems as a act of love he became her brother
[08:57] Naoufal: it is normal; for example for me there isn’t a problem to be married with Christian, Jewish, Muslim ; it is normal; because we are humans
[08:57] Sarah from California, US: yes, i think this is important. these things should not be seen as exceptional, they shouldl be seen as normal
[08:57] Anqa from Pakistn: and there families like that too. as in our society the friendship among male and female is considered awkward.
[08:58] Sarah from California, US: if we can tell the stories of these kinds of examples, people will begin to see it as normal and more willing to act like that themselves...
[08:58] Anqa from Pakistan: yes but those kind of marriages are totally banned here
[08:58] Anqa from Pakistan: society doesnt accept it
[08:59] Sarah from California, US: it is brave then, for this Christian man to be her brother and to take on all the duties...
[08:59] Naoufal: yes sarah , i agree with you
08:59] Sharon from Philippines: Throughout the years. There have been so many barriers set, that its quite hard to see that the sameness that runs through everyone..
[09:00] Sharon from Philippines: We need a childlike "innocence" in treating others as the same or equal.
[09:00] Anqa from Pakistan: sure and it is due to that society
[09:00] Sharon from Philippines: Such as kids who don't mind taking in a person of another religion or color, just to play a game for example!
[09:00] Sarah from California, US: yes, Sharon. we are constantly taught to fear the other and the differences...yes i agree
[09:00] Anqa from Pakistan: you know if here a christian girl talks to muslim boy it becomes an issue
[09:01] A.O.: i have an example from my brother's university..he has a classmate who was not able to pay tuition fees.
[09:01] A.O.: The rest of the class raised funds from family and friends who all belonged to different faiths (muslim, christian, hindu) and nobody asked what is the religion of the receiving student
[09:01] A.O.: he's now attending all classes and able to graduate this summer!
[09:02] Sarah from California, US: that’s great, A.O.... !
[09:02] Sharon from Philippines: That's wonderful news indeed A.O.!
[09:02] vrajapati: wonderful, A.O.
[09:03] Naoufal: super great A.O.
[09:03] A.O.: It's so wonderful how people of various faiths can unite to heal the suffering or pain of others
[09:03] Sarah from California, US: imagine if we always lived our lives like the golden rule... what would our world look like?
[09:03] Sharon from Philippines: Also, during the Ondoy superfloods that ravaged a Muslim town here in the predominatnly Christian coutnry Philippines... it was so heart warming
[09:04] Sharon from Philippines: to see how people of different faiths willing to HELP OUT so whole heartedly!
[09:05] Naoufal: i hope in future we are working together, for sharing the same history , for all peuple to know each other , for each person says the history is normal ; i think we are working together to share the same history in blogs ; media ;
[09:05] vrajapati: Heaven on Earth!
[09:05] Sharon from Philippines: The doors of the Church were wide open for the Muslim community to evacuate there
[09:05] Sarah from California, US: ?
[09:05] Anqa from Pakistan: My father was headmaster in a village... there the mosque was in dispute to build in school My father took final decision to build it and and raised funds for it and also gave funds from his salary designed it by himself and now it is called Joseph's Mosque
[09:05] Sharon from Philippines: And people, regardless of religion gave donation goods just to help the Muslims recover and get clothes on their backs!
[09:05] Sarah from California, US: that is beautiful, Sharon... i remember, too, after September 11th, that the churches in New York were very busy helping out, handing out water, providing shelter...
[09:06] Naoufal: we are one vision ; we hope to share the same history i see now ,; by your chat , I also share it in arabic blogs
[09:06] Sarah from California, US: wow, Anqa!
[09:06] Sarah from California, US: that is another great story! your father is a great man...
[09:07] Anqa from Pakistan: the muslim community of that village loves my father a lot due to this act
[09:07] Sharon from Philippines: Right. Help POURED in from the world over. From people who didnt care whether those affected were different them for any color/nationality/religion. It was about the HUMANITY. People saw that in other people.
[09:07] Anqa from Pakistan: thanks Sarah
[09:07] Sharon from Philippines: It is just so sad that a tragedy had to bring about that realization...
[09:07] Sarah from California, US: yes, naoufal, we can share the same history by sharing our stories and blogs on each other's sites.
[09:08] Sarah from California, US: yes, i wish it wasn't tragedy that brought people back into right relationship with each other.
[09:08] Sharon from Philippines: Yesterday was Earth Day. Wonderful to see everyone in solidarity with one another and nature.
[09:08] Sarah from California, US: i am sure there are many other wonderful stories like this. how many great examples we have come up with just with 10 people!
[09:09] Sharon from Philippines: But what saddens me is that it’s because of problems we are experiencing, like climate change that DROVE the people to actually participate.
[09:09] vrajapati: There is an angel in this marble block, I have taken it out. Similarly, there is an angel in each religion - Michelangelo
[09:09] Sarah from California, US: yes, Sharon, i think it is important to bring in all living beings into the Golden Rule, so we are seeing not just our brothers and sisters as we see ourselves, but also all life
[09:09] Anqa from Pakistan: beautiful
[09:09] A.O.: thanks, vrajapati..that's so inspiring
[09:10] Sarah from California, US: yes, beautiful...
[09:10] Sarah from California, US: thank you all, dear ones, for participating, and sharing your beautiful stories and wisdom with us all!
[09:10] Sharon from Philippines: And thank you Sarah for facilitating once again.
[09:10] Sarah from California, US: think about what you might do on April 5th to raise up the Golden Rule in your communities!
[09:11] Sarah from California, US: we can compile the stories on the URI website
[09:11] Sarah from California, US: i will use some of the examples i heard today... as good interfaith stories of the Golden Rule in action!
[09:11] Sharon from Philippines: Right. I hope we can come up with a global effort that can be as successful as the Earth Day for example, which can make a HUGE difference!
[09:11] vrajapati: Thank you all. It is very wonderful experience of my first youth chat
[09:11] Sarah from California, US: thanks for being with us, vrajapati. come again next time!
[09:12] vrajapati: I very much wish to be present.
[09:12] Anqa from Pakistan: yes thanks all now i can apply this idea among my group
[09:12] Sharon from Philippines: Sarah, this gives me a wonderful idea.
[09:12] Sarah from California, US: what's that....
[09:13] Sharon from Philippines: Let's "sensationalize" this Golden Rule Day
[09:13] Sharon from Philippines: You know how there's like a give a hug day, or turn of the lights at this hour... so everyone can do it.
[09:13] Sarah from California, US: yes, how can we do it?
[09:13] A.O.: make it the Global Golden Rule day
[09:13] Sharon from Philippines: What if we say: Talk to your neighbor (who you do not know yet) or something..
[09:13] vrajapati: In Bengali 'Da' means elder brother
[09:13] Sharon from Philippines: Right now, we can just make it as an event at facebook.
[09:13] Sharon from Philippines: And since our reach is quite global.
[09:13] Sarah from California, US: great
[09:13] Sharon from Philippines: Think of all its wonderful repercussions?
[09:14] Sarah from California, US: Also, I am thinking of a friend of mine who runs a group called Charity Focus
[09:14] Sarah from California, US: and they give out smile cards when you've done a good deed for someone else
[09:14] Sharon from Philippines: EVERYWHERE, around the world. With the message being passed, and more and more people being invited to this even will actually be doing something for earth day!
[09:14] Sarah from California, US: maybe we can link with them around this
[09:15] Sarah from California, US: and tell people how to give a smile card to someone else, or do something nice for someone and leave them a smile card
[09:15] Anqa from Pakistan: yes make it on facebook so many people can joint it
[09:15] Sarah from California, US: ok we will!
[09:15] Sharon from Philippines: Yeah, lets think of something that does not require much resources, as if much effort is needed not many people might go about and do it..
[09:15] Sarah from California, US: true
[09:15] vrajapati: Mayapur is open for "First URI Youth Amabassadors meet"
[09:15] Sarah from California, US: sharon do you want to set up the facebook group?
[09:16] Sharon from Philippines: Actually, I was thinking more of an event.
[09:16] Sarah from California, US: thank you vrajapati! it would be wonderful to return...
[09:16] Sarah from California, US: yes
[09:16] Sharon from Philippines: Sure, will come up with it. But I need help in thinking of what people CAN actually do! Haha!
[09:16] Sharon from Philippines: I need IDEAS.
[09:16] Sarah from California, US: yes...
[09:16] Sarah from California, US: there are lots of ideas here:
[09:17] Anqa from Pakistan: sure you can get many
[09:17] Sarah from California, US: http://www.uri.org/community/taxonomy/term/127
[09:17] Sharon from Philippines: Care to share what others can do?
[09:17] Sarah from California, US: if you go to mussie's piece on practical tips for living with the golden rule
[09:17] Sharon from Philippines: Yes, I have just clicked on t hat.
[09:18] Sarah from California, US: like practice empathy. practice compassion.
[09:18] Sarah from California, US: we could give more practical examples even, like reach out to a stranger. help an elderly person across the road.
[09:18] vrajapati: Facebook could be Good for sensitising and sharing events and ideas for the Golden ruleday.
[09:18] Sarah from California, US: take the trash out for a neighbor
[09:18] Sharon from Philippines: YES!
[09:18] Sharon from Philippines: Perfect!
[09:18] Sarah from California, US: pay for another person's meal
[09:19] Sharon from Philippines: This is wonderful Sarah. I could put a mix of the tips Mussi gves as welll as some other concrete acts you mentioned.
[09:19] Sarah from California, US: pay someone else's toll (we do this on our bridges here)
[09:19] Sharon from Philippines: They can do even just ONE of it, and it will be a great way to show Golden Rule.
[09:19] A.O.: i think even a smile to another person shows good will
[09:19] Sarah from California, US: here are some more
[09:19] Sarah from California, US: Favorite Ideas For Kindness Acts
[09:20] Sarah from California, US: Drop off a plant, flowers or apple pie at the police department.
Write notes or bring flowers or goodies to your past teachers.
Order someone a dessert anonymously at a restaurant or pay for the person behind you, at a drive-thru pickup window or pay for someone's gas anonymously at the gas station or put X dollars on a pump for the next person
[09:20] Sarah from California, US: Drop off a plant, flowers or apple pie at the police department.
[09:20] Sarah from California, US: Write notes or bring flowers or goodies to your past teachers.
[09:20] Sarah from California, US: Bring home-cooked meals, blankets, a bathroom kit and/or socks to a homeless person in your local community.
[09:20] Sarah from California, US: Open the phone book, pick a name, and send them something (movie tickets, inspirational quote, you are appreciated card, book, etc.) anonymously.
[09:21] Sharon from Philippines: I like that!!!
[09:21] Sharon from Philippines: I think I'll do that myself!
[09:21] Sarah from California, US: i got these from here:
[09:21] Sarah from California, US: http://www.charityfocus.org/new/vol.php?pg=aok
[09:21] Sarah from California, US: Take flowers to a hospital ward and leave them for someone who hasn't had any visitors.
[09:21] Sarah from California, US: does that give you enough, Sharon?
[09:22] Sharon from Philippines: Yes, thats a lot to go with Sarah!
[09:22] A.O.: also visiting people in elderly homes
[09:22] Sharon from Philippines: Thank you so so much!
[09:22] Sharon from Philippines: I will set up this event tomorrow only.. and will add ALL of my friends!
[09:22] Anqa from Pakistan: and give toys to orphans
[09:22] Sarah from California, US: me too i'll add mine too
[09:22] Sharon from Philippines: Lets make this"viral" in that it spreads to anyone and EVERYONE in every part of the globe!
[09:22] Sarah from California, US: good one, anqa
[09:23] Sarah from California, US: yes, great idea! we can do it!
[09:23] Nyambura: Hi people!!!
[09:23] Sarah from California, US: Hi Nyambura!
[09:23] Sharon from Philippines: Sorry for going overboard, and taking everyone’s time... just knew I had to share this wonderful idea with you!
[09:23] Sarah from California, US: we are just coming up with ideas for the Golden Rule day
[09:23] Nyambura: I made t!!
[09:23] Sarah from California, US: we are going to create a facebook event (Sharon is)
[09:23] Sarah from California, US: and then invite people to participate in it
[09:24] Sarah from California, US: give people ideas about what they can do on the golden rule day: random acts of kindness for others
[09:24] Anqa from Pakistan: arrange feast on eid or Christmas or other events for those who have'nt ever took good meal.
[09:24] Sarah from California, US: we are hoping to make it a viral activity around the globe!
[09:24] Sharon from Philippines: Okies, I feel I have a lot to go with already.
[09:24] Sharon from Philippines: Im sure we can do this!
[09:24] Sarah from California, US: ok sharon... we will look forward to getting your invite soon!
[09:24] Sharon from Philippines: Then you can add up your other acts of kindness in the comments part!
[09:24] Sharon from Philippines: Sure.
[09:24] Sarah from California, US: and we can all post it on our own pages and to our groups
[09:25] Sarah from California, US: i am glad we got to practical action today
[09:25] A.O.: yup
[09:25] Anqa from Pakistan: yes it will surely cause a change
[09:26] Sarah from California, US: nyambura - anything you would like to share with us all?
[09:27] Sarah from California, US: well, friends, i miss you all.. but look forward to participating in the golden rule day with you all! we can make the change we wish to see...
[09:27] Sarah from California, US: it will be fun to share the stories of what happened!
[09:28] Sarah from California, US: i don't want to keep you too long, so will say goodbye for now...
[09:28] Sarah from California, US: thank you sharon for initiating this great global action!
[09:28] Nyambura: Oh sorry, I was trying to read the rest of what you had been talking about, beautiful ideas...
[09:28] Sharon from Philippines: Thanks for your inspiring words everyone!
[09:29] Sarah from California, US: no worries... yes, it has been inspirational! i am looking forward to surprising someone soon!
[09:29] BK Augusto Brazil: Thanks to all. This youth energy for changing is indeed very inspiring!
[09:29] BK Augusto Brazil: Good luck in all the actions on the Golden Rule Day!
[09:29] BK Augusto Brazil: Om Shanti.
[09:30] A.O.: thank you Sarah for moderating..and everybody for your great ideas and time
[09:30] Sharon from Philippines: I'm so excited too! But before that, I must head off now for some sleep (its quite late here...)
[09:30] Sharon from Philippines: Good night everyone! Take care! See you in cyberspace soon!
[09:30] A.O.: good night sharon!
[09:30] Sarah from California, US: yes, get some rest you all, it is much later over there! take care!
[09:30] A.O.: salam/peace
[09:31] Anqa pakistan: bye all
[09:31] Sarah from California, US: love to you alll
