Golden Rule Meditation Exercises

2.13   Group meditation

Materials required: a listing of the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule. To access this listing, click here. To avoid printing all five available languages, select only the language you need.

Steps:

1. A circle of silence
   All participants are seated in a circle (if possible). The process begins with two to five minutes of silence, each person preparing her/his heart to be open and receptive.
2. The Golden Rule
   In a slow and reflective fashion, the facilitator reads aloud all 13 expressions of the Golden Rule. Participants are invited to listen attentively and silently, being sensitive to any word or phrase that speaks to them.
3. Reflective listening
   In a slow and reflective fashion, the facilitator reads aloud the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule a second time. Participants again listen reflectively for a word or phrase that strikes them. After this second reading, the facilitator invites those individuals who wish to say aloud the word or phrase from the 13 writings that most speaks to them. The other participants simply listen while the word/phrase is spoken.
4. More reflective listening
   Slowly and reflectively, the facilitator reads aloud the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule a third time. Next, the facilitator invites a comment from those who in Step #3 shared a word/phrase. These individuals are invited to share as to why this particular word or phrase is significant for them. During this sharing, the other participants listen respectfully without crosstalk, discussion or feedback.
5. Closing ritual
   The session closes with a two-minute period of silence. The facilitator then invites the participants to offer one another some sign of friendship, e.g. a handshake, hug, bow or whatever gesture is appropriate.