Students of Perennial Philosophy, the core mystical teachings that are the same in all religions and forgotten by many or most adherents, might agree that two verses from the Hindu Bhagavad Gita constitute a simple, beautiful and perfect summary of the Perennial Philosophy teachings;
“Like two birds of golden plumage, inseparable companions, the
individual self and the immortal Self are perched on the branches of the
selfsame tree. The former tastes of the sweet and bitter fruits of the
tree; the latter, tasting of neither, calmly observes.
“The individual self, deluded by forgetfulness of his identity with the
divine Self, bewildered by his ego, grieves and is sad. But when he
recognizes the worshipful Lord as his own true Self, and beholds his
glory, he grieves no more.”2
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Compare these verses with the contemporary re-presentation of the Perennial Philosophy in The New Earth or Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle – different language and cultural clothing but the same message!
Inevitably the ethical implication of Perennial Philosophy is ‘ The Golden Rule –
EXAMPLES:-
BAHA’I:
“Ascribe not to any soul that which thou wouldst not have ascribed to thee, and say not that which thou doest not.” Baha’u’llah.
BUDDHISM:
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion – Dalai Lama
CHRISTIAN:
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
Luke 10:25-28
ISLAM:
In his Last Sermon, the Prophet Muhammad cautioned believers: “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.”
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.
see HERE for more examples.
Enjoy these – and dive deep!
Bhagavad Gita Chanted in English HERE
Text of the Bhagavad Gita in English HERE
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NB Try listening to the chanting whilst reading the text – wonderful! – transporting!
Commentary ‘The Battlefield of the Mind‘ on the Bhagavad Gita, by Swami Nirmalananda Giri, HERE
NB Please use the SEARCH on this site to find more about Perennial Philosophy and all of the other subjects mentioned.
Soul Needs - One Garden 