“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is a misleading phrase. For starters, the concept of “Others” is Maya; illusion. Each one of us is a vessel for the same fundamental essence; Brahma/SSElf/God. Division/Seperateness is a concept created by an ego identity who is attached to projected experience.
Fundamentally, adage is saying, “Don’t treat others poorly because they will treat poorly. Don’t do something because there will be consequences.” While this may be true in most cases, all actions are passing/temporal, so how others treat us is really not our concern. All action begins with thought. Action is a physical manifestation of our thoughts. Instead of focusing on action and it’s consequences, we should be concerned with thoughts and their consequences. Especially given that all thought is spiritual in nature and, thus, eternal, while actions are physical and, thus, temporary.
Thought frames our perception of reality. When we think about others in a negative way–in a way that would lead to treating them poorly–we become a victim of our own thought, even if no action is performed. Our thoughts create emotional complexes/karma that may reside in the unconscious and will eventually find a way to resurface, usually without our conscious knowledge.
Allow your attention to be drawn to this passage from the Srimad Bhagavatam: There is no safety to be found in the complicated webs of our actions.
The reaction or response of others regarding our thoughts and words and actions pales in comparison to the effect our thoughts and words and actions have upon our ability to become Self-realized. This is our true concern.
We are in absolute control of our attitude. Regardless of how another may react to you, the only power they have to affect you (your being/predominant mental attitude, not necessarily your physical body) is the power you surrender to them. Thus, your thoughts and your words are attention you are directing and if this attention is anything but love, you are disempowering yourself.
(7.4) “Seeing” (thought) creates “feeling”, “feeling” creates “being.” First the mental, then the emotional, then the unlimited possibilities of achievement.
National Theatre of Iceland, Reykjavik
Aperture of Brahma 