In every culture on earth there lies at its core an innate desire to worship something. Whether it is the worship of the Sun in ancient Egypt; the worship of the Amazon River in Peru; or the worship of a pair of new shoes in New York City, all of humanity is united by its desire to worship. What divides us are the arguments over the WAY in which we worship... how we worship... who we worship... what we worship... when we worship... where we worship. The desire is the same. The methods by which we facilitate this desire may be different. Or are they?

Names, rituals, times, clothing, food, objects, holy books all seem to serve as points of contention and division. However, in all of these customs, there lie hidden similarities; similar because they are all used in an effort to connect us to God, Source, Life, Love, Light, Energy, Vibration.

All religions have a literal side as well as a hidden, mysterious or secret side. On the literal side of religions we find certain rules, rituals, dress codes, dietary restrictions and the like which may differ from one to the next. However, in the secret place or in the hidden mysteries of most all religions we find some very common themes and truths.

We need look no further than what is known in Christianity as The Golden Rule which is found in the Bible, book of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 12: In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.

The Baha'i Faith says: Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself. ~ Baha'u'llah, Gleanings

Judaism: What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. ~ Hillel, Talmud, Shabat 31a

Taoism: Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss. ~ T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien, 213-218

Confucianism: One word that sums up the basis of all good conduct - loving kindness. Do not do to others what you would not want done to yourself. ~ Confucius, Analects 15.23

Islam: Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. ~ the Prophet Muhammad, Hadith

These are but a few of many examples of the Golden Rule which is at the heart of so many diverse religions. Many wells, one river. May we always strive to find the common ground that exists in all forms of worship.