IRUL International
IRUL – I REALIZE UNIVERSAL LOVE
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IRUL stands for “I Realize Universal Love” – that Universal Love is here on Planet Earth, and I can experience it, realize it, and promote it in all my affairs. It is one thing to believe in love. It is another to practice it in all our affairs. In order for us to “realize” love in our life, we must focus on it and intentionally practice it.
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PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL LOVE STATED
What has IRUL identified as the Principles of Universal Love?
“Principles” are general truths; in effect, laws that comprehend many subordinate truths. Principles all co-exist co-equally, so that the order in which they are stated is unimportant.
We posit that all life on Planet Earth is grounded and operates within the paradigm of certain principles of Universal Love: fundamental and causative foundational truths, which are the cause and origin of all causes and effects on Planet Earth. All life on Planet Earth can be analyzed and understood with an understanding and grasp of these Principles.
These Principles have been described and outlined by many wisdom traditions and groups over the years. At present, the Principles of Universal Love we are stating are as follows.
Principle of Individuality
Every thing on Planet Earth is a unique entity – from snowflakes to Human Beings. Each individual has their own valuable point of view and perspective on things.
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Principle of Unity
We Are All One – All things on Planet Earth are connected energetically, and affect one another. We work best through collaboration and seeking mutual benefit.
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Principle of Unity with Diversity
E Pluribus Unum – We are all one, and we are all distinct individuals, at the same time. We each have things in common and differences.
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Principle of Equality
All life is equally entitled to exist on Planet Earth. Respect all life, and all people equally.
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Principle of Liberty
At their core, Human Beings are loving beings, and as such are entitled to live the way they please within the bounds of mutual respect for others. Everything anyone ever does is somehow motivated by love.
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Principle of Causation
Also called “The Seed Principle.” The internal is causative of the external. Our internal thoughts and beliefs are the most important way we influence the world. Human Beings are powerful creative beings who jointly create their reality on Planet Earth. Actions have consequences.
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Principle of Sovereignty
All people have a right to their own property – including first their bodies; and also their thoughts and emotions, as well as personal belongings.
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Principle of Self-Government
All rule their own lives, property and thoughts/feelings/beliefs. When an entity governs its own life and affairs well, it then can co-operate, contribute and influence others well. When all govern themselves well, the union with each other is strong.
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Principle of Stewardship
Respect all life. Safety first. Do no harm. All life deserves protection and nurture. If something is doing harm (plant, animal, person), stop the harm by the least disruptive effective method.
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Principle of World's Heritage of Character
We enter a world with a history, and will leave it with our mark. “I drink from wells I did not dig.” History teaches us; our personal experience of conflict refines us. As we study the past, we learn from what has gone before, and build on it to improve life on Planet Earth, so that we do not repeat prior errors.
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Principle of Voluntary Union
“No one is an island.” Collaboration, not competition, is the best way to live and advance our goals and dreams. War and violence do not work. What we do affects others, so we must consider the effect of our actions on others in all things.
RULES FOR LIVING
How do the Principles of Universal Love translate into rules for living?
From the Principles, certain Rules for Living can be logically deduced, which flow naturally from applying the Principles. When people choose to live in accord with the Principles, they can experience peace and harmony on earth. When they live in discord with these truths, they experience unnecessary pain and disharmony in their lives. Love’s principles are the alternative to tyranny and oppression.
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Rules for Living According to the Principles of Universal Love:
A. Everybody owns their own body and mind.
Corollaries that therefore follow:
a. Each individual is responsible for their own actions.
b. Only touch other people’s bodies with their permission.
c. Only touch other people’s things with their permission.
d. Only give other people advice with their permission.
B. Safety first – do no harm.
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Corollaries that therefore follow:
a. You are in charge of safety!
b. If something cannot be done safely, do not do it; or minimize the
risk to others, if you choose to take the risk yourself.
c. No person has the right to use violence to control another person.
d. Resist tyranny, which is one person ruling over another to their harm.
C. The principles of life resist CHEATING.
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Corollaries that therefore follow:
a. Always speak the truth.
b. Have a fair energy exchange in all your transactions.
c. Encourage others to be fair and just in all their affairs, to save them from harm.
d. Speak up if you see others violating the rules and harming others.
D. If I break a Rule, I make it up at first opportunity.
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Corollaries that therefore follow:
a. Maintain a healthy balance in all your affairs.
b. Restore balance when it has been upset.
c. When you violate a Rule, make amends as soon as possible.
d. Acknowledge to others that you have violated the rule or agreement, and do an act to demonstrate that you intend to act differently going forward.
E. Follow your heart, for it makes decisions best, not your mind.
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Corollaries that therefore follow:
a. You can best love others by listening to and following your heart.
b. Do whatever you want within the Rules.
c. Follow your interests, desires and wants.
d. Listen to your conscience – your internal guide to Universal Love.
F. There are exceptions to all the Rules.
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Corollaries that therefore follow:
a. In emergency situations, you may touch someone or something first and ask permission later.
b. Sometimes to follow a Rule would result in harm.
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Guidelines for judging exceptions to the Rules:
1. Will it hurt anyone?
2. Will it help anyone?
3. Will it make things better?
4. Will it be fun?
5. Who will it affect?
6. What will happen if I do not honor the rule?
7. What is my intention?
GENERAL TRUTHS AND GUIDELINES
General Truths and Guidelines that flow from the belief that human beings at their core are Light and Love:
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1. Everyone always does the best they can.
2. Everything anyone does make sense from their point of view.
3. Accept the differences in others is a gift of the Universe.
4. Everything anyone ever does is motivated somehow by love.
We propose these statements as grounds for discussion, and expanding these concepts in their practical applications.
We have prepared a summary of these in alternate form in our pamphlet, Principles of Universal Love, which you may download here.
We welcome any and all feedback at irul.org@gmail.com.