Golden Rule Meditation Exercises

2.6   A meditation on Gandhian wisdom

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. 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.
   2. 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.

1. The words of Gandhi“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”Spend some time reflecting on these words of Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948). This statement from the great Hindu saint and apostle of non-violence is typical of Gandhi who challenged people to move from talk to action, to find the courage to improve their society by becoming the best person they can be.Feel free to take as much time as you need to reflect on these words of Gandhi.
2. Interacting wisdom statements
   You have had some time to reflect on both the Gandhian wisdom statement and the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule. How do these two interact for you? To aid your reflection, consider one or more of the following questions:
   1. Do Gandhi’s words give added meaning to the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule? If so, how do they add meaning? Conversely, do the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule give added meaning to Gandhi’s statement? Explain.
   2. Which of the 13 statements of the Golden Rule relate most directly to Gandhi’s words? Explain.
   3. Are there ways in which Gandhi’s statement does not relate to the 13 expressions of the Golden Rule? Explain.
3. In your own words
   In your own words, re-write the Gandhian statement, incorporating any new insights that you have garnered from your reflection thus far.
4. Going deeper
   Read the written reflections you have made throughout this meditation. To deepen your reflection, consider one or more of the following questions:
   • What was it like for me to do this meditation exercise?
   • At what points during this period of reflection was I moved? Inspired? Challenged?
   • What questions or issues have been raised for me?
   • What new insights have I gained in this process?
   • What did I learn about myself?
   • As a result of this meditation, what aspects 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 changing the world we live in?
5. Record your thoughts
   In your journal, record any thoughts, reflections or insights garnered in Step #6 and in the entire process.
6. A group experience
   For instructions on how to adapt this meditation for a group experience, see Appendix 3: Application to a group experience.