Golden Rule Meditation Exercises

3.5   Unity amidst diversity

Materials required

• Scarboro Missions Golden Rule Poster. To view or order poster, click here.
• 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. 1. Prepare yourself
      Prepare yourself for meditation by any means that you find to be effective. You may want to consider Appendix 4: Tips for preparing for meditation and reflection.

1. The Golden Rule
   In a slow and reflective fashion, read the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule. Take as much time as you need with these writings.
2. A golden image
   Spend time gazing upon the poster as an image. Allow it to speak to you. Study the visual elements of the poster – its overall design, its various shapes, lines, colours. Consider how these various elements relate to one another. Reflect on the symbolic meaning of the poster.
3. Making connections
   There are those who claim that the Golden Rule assumes and teaches the following principles:
   • the unity and interconnectedness of all persons
   • universality and wholeness
   • unity amidst diversity

   As you continue to study the poster and meditate on the 13 writings, reflect on the following questions:

   • Do you see a relationship between any or all of the 13 writings and any or all of the three principles listed above? Explain.
   • Do you see any connection between the physical features of the poster and the principles listed above? Explain.

   Jot down your thoughts.

4. Record your thoughts
   Spend some time gathering any insights or reflections that came to you during this exercise. Jot down your thoughts in a journal or on paper. To deepen your reflection, consider one or more of the following questions:
   • What was it like for me to do this meditation?
   • At what points during this meditation was I moved? Inspired? Challenged?
   • What questions or issues have been raised for me?
   • What new insights have I gained?
   • What did I learn about myself?
   • As a result of this meditation, what aspect of my life might I consider changing?
   • As a result of this meditation, I feel moved to…..
   • What did I learn about the Golden Rule? About the world we live in? About universal principles?
5. A group experience
   For instructions on how to adapt this meditation for a group experience, see Appendix 3: Application to a group experience.