Comparing the Golden Rule in Hindu and Christian Religious Texts

Abstract

This article compares the oldest Hindu versions of the Golden Rule found in the Mahabharata with those in the gospels. What may the Hindu texts, which usually receive little attention, contribute to the understanding of the New Testament renditions? Methodologically the article draws from Clooney’s Comparative Theology and Moyaert’s approach of hermeneutical hospitality. In the Hindu texts the rule is understood in terms of ahimsa (non-violence). This seems to be close to Luke’s version, in which the maxim is closely connected with the appeal to love one’s enemies. The Mahabharata, however, reveals also the maxim’s potency to use reciprocity as a strategy for making peace. So, the reciprocity stressed in Matthew is also important.