The Golden Rule Is That There's No Golden Rule

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 26 July 2024 George Bernard Shaw's profound assertion, "The golden rule is that there is no golden rule," challenges conventional wisdom and opens up a realm of limitless possibilities. July 26 is George Bernard Shaw's Birth Anniversary. ------ In a world governed by rules and norms, Shaw reminds us that every situation is unique, and what may work effectively in one case may not in another. By defying the existence of a universal guideline, he encourages us to abandon rigidity and adopt a mindset flavored with adaptability and open-mindedness. Shaw's quote compels us to question, explore, and continually reassess our beliefs, recognizing that there is no single formula for life or any given circumstance. " Ek Chaabi Se Sare Taale Nahin Khulte Hoti Hai Har Taaale Ki Chaabi Alag-Alag " (One key doesn't open all locks/ Every lock has a different key). There's no panacea. Why's there a plethora of beliefs and why do we say in Sanskrit, 'Pinde-Pinde Matirbhinna' (Every individual is unique)? Because one belief is not enough and one solution is not applicable to all questions and queries. If you've a belief, it's your belief. Someone else will have a different belief or beliefs and there'll be a few individuals like the Buddha who'll be free of all beliefs. The point is, everyone has a unique and individual perspective and no perspective is eternally useful or applicable to all situations. Why do we have so many man-made faiths? Because one faith cannot quench every individual's spiritual thirst. Every religion is a specific belief that cannot be the sole belief of all individuals. As someone said tellingly, "We've broken and partial 'truths.' When 'partial' truths come together, complete truth emerges." It's interesting to note that out of 700 shlokas in Gita (574 delivered by Krishna, 84 by Arjuna and 41 by Sanjay), nearly 270 shlokas directly and indirectly emphasize that there's no absolute way. Krishna said Truth is an illusion (Satyam Mayasti). So, when a group of people fights over the perceived (and also mistaken) truth of its belief, it makes an evolved person sad and surprised. The deluded supremacy of our perceived beliefs has created all sorts of problems and discontentment. It has created bad-blood. Yet, we steadfastly adhere to certain beliefs and think that they're the only flawless tenets and the eventual truths. This is utter ignorance and also the root of eternal unrest and conflicts. ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/golden-rule/d/132790 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism