14.  What wisdom does each of the world’s major religions teach?

Nearly all religions share several ethical values in common, such as compassion and charity.  Such values are called universal values.  Nearly all religions also teach similar virtues.  Yet, each religion is also unique, emphasizing one particular value or virtue more than other religions do, thereby encouraging a deeper exploration of that aspect of morality.  That is why all of us can learn from multiple religions without the need to convert to them. 

In some religions, theologians have compiled lists of virtues they thought were of special importance to their religion.  Their choices may not include every virtue taught by that religion, but their choices do convey some fundamental behaviors and ideals that believers should strive for.

Any summary is, by definition, not a comprehensive explanation.  Trying to summarize a religion and its values and virtues may leave out some important information that some believers may consider essential.  They may wonder why it was left out.  It was left out because a summary is only a summary.  So, a good summary will encourage your curiosity to learn more. 

The following are summaries of the world’s seven major religions and the wisdom they teach.

•  Judaism — Monotheism

With a history of more than 3,500 years, Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions.  Judaism teaches that one eternal and indivisible God created the Universe and established a special covenant with the Jewish people, a nation collectively called “Israel.”  In Judaism, monotheism—belief in one God—is a fundamental principle.

Judaism is also the smallest of the seven major religions, but its influence has been enormous.  The world’s two largest religions, Christianity and Islam, both have roots in Judaism.  If Judaism had never existed, Christianity and Islam would not exist—along with various smaller religions also related to Judaism, Christianity, or Islam, such as the Bahai faith.

Jews have been called God’s “chosen people”—but if that distinction includes any privileges, it has also included thousands of years of oppression and persecution.  The most horrific persecution of Jews in modern times was a genocide that historians now call the Holocaust.  Approximately six million Jews were mass murdered, included some one million children.  It occurred in the mid-twentieth century, during the Second World War.  Jews sometimes refer to the Holocaust as the Shoah— שואה —a Hebrew word that means “Catastrophe.”

The foundational religious scripture of Judaism is the Hebrew Bible.  The Hebrew Bible comprises more than 75 percent of the Holy Bible used by Christians, and it is no less holy.  It is sacred.  The Hebrew Bible contains stories and songs that offer moral guidance, and also the early history of the Jews when they were known as Hebrews or Israelites. 

The first five books of the Bible are called the Torah.  The Torah includes 613 commandments, including the famous Ten Commandments given by God to the Prophet Moses and the ancient Hebrews.  The word Torah— תוֹרָה —means “instruction.”  Jews call the commandments the Law.  The Law guides all aspects of the life of a devout Jew, including prayer, diet, and social relations.  Dietary commandments define which foods are permissible and how they must be prepared.  Rituals and festivals commemorate key events in Jewish history and mark the cycle of life.

Some of the most beautiful sentiments in the Hebrew Bible are expressed in Psalm 23.  Its words can be said or sung: “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the LORD forever.”

Judaism encourages thorough study and interpretation of its scriptures, including open discussion of religious and moral questions.  Another Jewish scripture is the Talmud— תַלמוּד —a vast collection of discussions by Jewish scholars, compiled over centuries, that interpret the Torah.  The Talmud offers insights into law, ethics, and philosophy.  

Judaism has several branches, usually described as Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, although in practice there are more than three.  Each has its own interpretation of Jewish practices and traditions.  Jewish identity is both a religion and a culture, including a connection to the land of Israel, which Jews regard as their ancestral homeland.  Except in Israel today, Judaism has always been a minority religion in the countries where Jews live.  In the early twenty-first century CE, the number of Jews worldwide was estimated at about fifteen million, most of them living in Israel. 

The following virtues are some of the most important virtues in Judaism.  Even among Jews who are not religious (known as secular Jews), several of these virtues guide their lives:

• Righteousness—in Hebrew, צֶדֶק —pronounced tzedakah.  More than charity, righteousness is fundamental to justice.  Righteousness requires actively doing what is morally right, including fairness, honesty, defense of the powerless, and societal equity.  It is an obligation to help those in need. 
• Loving-Kindness— חֶסֶד —pronounced chesed.  It is compassion, generosity, doing more good than what the law requires.  It includes helping the poor, caring for the sick, comforting mourners, and showing hospitality to strangers.
• Human Dignity— כבוד הבריות —pronounced kavod ha’briyot.  Respect the inherent dignity of all people regardless of their status or background, because God created every person in the image of God.  It means respecting parents, elders, and community members. 
• Truthfulness— דוֹבֵר אֶמֶת —pronounced dover emet.  Honesty and integrity in your speech and behavior.  Includes avoiding gossip and not bearing false witness (lying about who committed a crime).
• Peace— שָׁלוֹם —pronounced shalom.  Resolving conflicts to achieve fairness.  Beyond the absence of conflict, shalom represents completeness and harmony.  Shalom is considered the goal of the Torah.
• Repentance— תְשׁוּבָה —pronounced teshuvah.  Genuine remorse, and then returning to righteousness.  Repentance is always important but it is especially emphasized during the yearly religious event called Yom Kippur. 
• Humility— עֲנָוָה —pronounced anavah.  Cultivating modesty and avoiding arrogance.  Humanity is not self-deprecation, it is about recognizing that your abilities and blessings come from God and from others, not solely from yourself.
• Good Conduct, literally “the way of the land”— דרך הארץ —pronounced derekh eretz.  This refers to proper social etiquette, good manners, and general decency.  Ethical and respectful behavior is a prerequisite for a religious life.  This is considered so important that some teachings say, “If there is no derekh eretz, there is no Torah.”
• Study of the Torah— תלמוד תורה —pronounced Talmud Torah.  Study religious scriptures, especially the Torah.  Learn, question, discuss, and interpret those religious scriptures to deepen your understanding.
• Repairing the World— תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם —pronounced tikkun olam.  This is a modern Jewish concept that emphasizes the responsibility of every Jews to work towards social justice, equality, and a better world.  It encourages active participation in making the world a more just and humane place, working to eliminate poverty, oppression, and suffering while promoting peace and human dignity.

•  Christianity — Forgiveness

Christianity is a religion centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The word Christ is not a name but a title, a Greek-related translation of the Hebrew word Messiah— מָשִׁיחַ —a title that means “the Anointed One.” 

Christianity began as a Jewish sect.  Early in the first century CE, Jesus, a Jew, preached his message mostly to Jews in Judea, a province of the Roman Empire.  The central text of Christianity is the Holy Bible, which consists of the Hebrew Bible, which Christians call the Old Testament, and the Christian New Testament, which is significantly shorter.  The New Testament includes four Gospels—named Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—which recount the life, death, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus.  The New Testament also documents the formation of the early Christian Church and includes letters from apostles to various Christian communities.  Although the first Christians were Jews, they later spread their faith to include non-Jews, known as Gentiles.  As a result, Christianity became a combination of Jewish theology and ancient Greek philosophy, which was common in the Roman Empire at that time.

Despite occasional persecution, especially in its early centuries, Christianity has since become the world’s largest religion and has profoundly influenced art, literature, law, education, and social institutions across many cultures, especially in Europe and the Western Hemisphere.  In the twenty-first century the number of Christians was estimated at about two and a half billion.  They are generally divided into five major branches: Roman Catholicism, Oriental Orthodox (comprising some of Christianity’s oldest churches, including in Armenia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and the Malabar region of southern India), Eastern Orthodox (separate from Oriental Orthodox; includes major churches in Eastern Europe and along the coasts of the eastern Mediterranean and Black Seas), Protestantism (which has many different churches, and even different denominations within churches), and a fifth category that does not have a name but includes every independent Christian church that does not fit into the other four categories. 

Christianity offers a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and his teachings.  Many Christians refer to Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Among his teachings, he taught that expressions of faith include compassion, justice, and service to those in need.  Perhaps the most important expression of faith is forgiveness.  “Forgive, and you will be forgiven,” Jesus taught, according to the Gospel of Luke 6:37.  The Gospels describe numerous occasions when Jesus either preached forgiveness or, through his actions, exemplified forgiveness.  Forgive those who have wronged you.  Do not hold grudges.  Do not seek revenge.  Seek reconciliation.

Christianity’s Apostle Paul never met Jesus in person, but Paul, a devout Jew, converted to Christianity after experiencing a mystical vision of Jesus.  Paul became the most important Christian missionary of the first century, and the New Testament contains several letters he wrote to early Christian communities.  In one of those letters, Paul listed nine traits he said that result when a Christian is filled by God’s Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  (Epistle to the Galatians 5:22-23.) 

Today, not all Christians agree with Paul on every topic, but Paul when described love, he wrote some of the most beautiful words in the New Testament: “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. …And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”  (First Corinthians 13:4-8 and 13.)

Approximately three centuries after the death of Jesus, Christian theologians made a list of seven virtues they called Christianity’s cardinal virtues.  Three virtues—love, faith, and hope—were mentioned by Paul and are called the theological virtues.  The other four—prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—were adopted from Greek moral philosophy because the theologians believed that those virtues are the logical result of moral reasoning.

• Love.  The Apostle Paul used the Greek word agape— ἀγάπη —which is not erotic love.  Instead, it is selfless, unconditional love for God and for your neighbor, who is everyone, including your enemies.  The word agape can also mean “charity.”
• Faith.  Trust in God and belief in Jesus and his teachings as the Christian way to salvation.
• Hope.  Confident in God’s promises, especially eternal life.  Hope encourages perseverance during difficult times.
• Prudence.  Practical wisdom and good judgment to discern what is right and wrong in any situation and then choosing a good way to achieve a good outcome.
• Justice.  Maintaining fairness and righteousness.  Treating all people with dignity and respect.  Giving everyone their due, including giving to God what God is due.  Advocating for the poor, for the oppressed, and for what is right.
• Fortitude.  Courage to uphold faith and moral principles, even in adversity.  The strength to persevere in spite of difficulties and temptation.  Suffering for the sake of what is good.
• Temperance.  Practicing self-control and moderation in desires, pleasures, and passions.  Resisting temptation and living according to God’s will.

Centuries later, Christian theologians compiled a list of sins that the Church warned Christians to avoid.  Called the seven deadly sins, they are pride, greed, lust, envy, wrath, and sloth.  In response to them, the Church also complied a list of moral opposites, called the seven heavenly virtues.  They are:

• Humility.  Putting others before yourself.  Serving others.  Rejecting the ego and acknowledging your dependence on God.  Humility is the opposite of pride. 
• Charity.  Voluntarily giving assistance to people who need help.  In Christianity, charity has been described as “Christian love for one’s fellows.”  Charity is the opposite of greed.
• Chastity.  Abstaining from sexual activity outside of marriage.  If the Christian is not married, chastity means celibacy.  Chastity is the opposite of lust.
• Kindness.  Showing compassion, empathy, and goodwill to others without expecting praise or a reward in return.  Kindness is the opposite of envy. 
• Temperance.  One of the cardinal virtues, defined above.  Temperance is the opposite of gluttony.
• Patience.  Enduring difficulties without anger or complaint.  Trust in God’s timing.  Patience is the opposite of wrath.
• Diligence.  Carefulness and persistent effort or work.  Diligence is the opposite of sloth.

•  Islam — Opposition to Idolatry

Islam is a monotheistic religion founded in the seventh century CE by the Prophet Muhammad.  Believers in Islam are called Muslims and they believe that Muhammad is the last prophet in a lineage that includes Adam, Abraham, and Moses (all from Judaism) and also Jesus (from Christianity).  Muslims also believe that Muhammad received mystical visions and instructions from the Angel Gabriel on God’s behalf.  Those instructions later became the Holy Quran, the most sacred book in Islam.  Less sacred but still important is the Hadith, a collection of narratives about the Prophet Muhammad’s life, teachings, character, and practices, such as prayer and charity.

The word Islam means “submission” to the will of God.  God, known in Arabic as Allah— الله —is eternal, all-powerful, and merciful.  Submission to God’s will, worshipping God, and being thankful to God, all represent the most important principle of Islam: opposition to idolatry.  Only God is to be worshipped.  Probably the most famous verse in the Holy Quran is this one, describing God:

Islam teaches moral conduct, compassion, and personal responsibility.  Islam offers a complete way of life composed of daily prayers, charity, social justice, and the pursuit of knowledge.  Many Muslims follow Islamic law, known as Sharia— شريعة —derived from the Holy Quran and the Hadith.

In the early twenty-first century the number of Muslims was estimated at about two billion, making Islam the world’s second-largest religion.  Muslims call their global community the ummah, a community that encompasses a variety of nations and cultures spread across North Africa, parts of Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere.  Islam has also greatly influenced art and architecture, called “Islamic art,” some of the most distinctive and beautiful in the world.  Islam has also influenced literature, law, and the sciences.  Major holy sites in Islam include the cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. 

The two main branches of Islam are Sunni, comprising about 90 percent of Muslims, and Shia, also called Shiite, comprising about 10 percent.  These branches differ primarily in their beliefs about religious leadership of the ummah, resulting in varied interpretations of religious authority and practices.

There are Six Articles of Faith believed by all devout Muslims:

• Belief in One God.  God has no equals.  Belief in the oneness of God, who is all-powerful, merciful, and unique.
• Belief in Angels.  Spiritual beings who serve God and perform various tasks.  The most prominent angel is Gabriel, who revealed the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad by conveying the words of God.
• Belief in Holy Books.  God’s will is revealed through sacred texts associated with various prophets, including the Torah (via Moses), the Gospel (via Jesus), and finally the Holy Quran (via Muhammad).  Muslims believe the Holy Quran is the final and most complete revelation from God.
• Belief in Prophets, including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and finally Muhammad as the last prophet.
• Belief in the Day of Judgment.  Ultimately, God will judge every person for one’s deeds, to be either rewarded or punished accordingly.
• Belief in Divine Decree.  God knows all and controls all, but humans still have free will.  Belief in divine decree means acknowledging God’s ultimate control over all things.

The primary practices expected of a devout Muslim are summarized in the Five Pillars of Islam:

• Declaration of Faith— شهادة —pronounced shahada.  The belief that “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.”  This phrase, written in Arabic, is featured prominently on Islamic architecture and on a variety of objects, including the Holy Quran.  One becomes a Muslim by reciting this phrase with sincerity.
• Prayer— الصلاة —pronounced sala.  Facing the city of Mecca, Muslims pray five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and after dark.  Prayer includes reciting the opening chapter (Surah) of the Holy Quran.
• Alms— زكاة —pronounced zakat.  In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims donate a fixed portion of their income to the poor and needy.  This is a religious obligation, not voluntary charity.
• Fasting— صَوم —pronounced sawm.  During the daylight hours of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, all healthy adult Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink.  Through this temporary deprivation, they renew their awareness of, and gratitude for, everything that God has provided in their lives—including the Holy Quran, which was first revealed during this month.  Fasting teaches discipline, patience, and empathy for the poor.
• Pilgrimage— الحجّ —pronounced hajj.  A journey to Mecca, Islam’s most holy city, that every Muslim should undertake at least once in their lifetime if physically and financially able to. 

There is no absolute list of Islamic virtues, but these are among the most important:

• Oneness of God— التوحيد —pronounced tawhid.  Monotheism.  Muslims consider this the most important virtue.  It means absolute devotion to God as the One and the Unique, the Creator of the Universe.  God has no equals.
• Faith— إيمان —pronounced iman.  Belief in One God, the Prophets, the scriptures, angels, the Day of Judgment, and Divine destiny. 
• Piety— التقوى —pronounced taqwa.  Full awareness that God is always present, God sees all and knows all, and this awareness of God inspires a person to do good and to avoid evil.
• Justice— عدالة —pronounced adl.  Protect the rights of everyone and treat everyone fairly, regardless of race, religion, or status.  This includes economic justice, legal fairness, and social equity.  Maintain justice even when it is against yourself or your family.
• Mercy— رحمة —pronounced rahmah.  Show mercy to all of God’s creation, including people, animals, and the environment.  Show mercy especially towards the vulnerable and to those who have wronged them.
• Sincerity— صدق —pronounced sidq.  Honesty and truth in speech and actions; not being deceitful.
• Patience— صبر —pronounced sabr.  Endure hardships with grace, persist in good deeds, and resist temptation with calm resolve and perseverance.  Trust in God’s plan.
• Humility— التواضع —pronounced tawadu.  Recognize your dependence on God, avoid arrogance, and treat all people with respect regardless of social status.
• Charity— صدقة —pronounced sadaqah.  This is not mandatory charity (zakat), this is charity that is voluntary and represents giving for the sake of God.
• Generosity— كرم —pronounced karam.  Give to the poor, help others, and share your wealth.  This is more than obligatory charity, or even voluntary charity that is socially expected.  Generosity is voluntary giving and hospitality that is more personal, giving of yourself.  This can be giving money, a kind word, or even a smile.
• Forgiveness— مغفرة —pronounced maghfira.  Let go of resentments, forgive others and seek God’s forgiveness.  Forgiveness and mercy are more important than revenge.
• Repentance— التوبة —pronounced tawbah.  Sincerely regretting a sin and resolving not to do it again.  When Muslims repent, they seek God’s forgiveness by asking, “I seek forgiveness from God”— أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ —pronounced astaghfirullah.  The act of seeking God’s forgiveness is called istighfar— ٱسْتِغْفَار in Arabic.
• Gratitude— شكر —pronounced shukr, literally “to thank.”  Thank God for all blessings, big and small.  Be content with what you have.  Express your gratitude through words and deeds.
• Modesty— حياء —pronounced haya.  Maintain humility and decency in behavior and appearance.
• Honesty— أمانة —pronounced amanah.  Fulfill your responsibilities and keep your promises.  Be reliable in all relationships, including business, family, and community.
• Respect— احترام —pronounced ihtiram.  Respect parents, elders, teachers, neighbors, and the environment.
• Excellence— إحسان —pronounced ihsan.  Strive for sincerity and perfection in worship and behavior.  The highest level of faith is when a person’s actions are motivated by a deep devotion to God, desiring to serve God and humanity with excellence.
• Knowledge— علم —pronounced ‘ilm.  This word can refer to Divine knowledge, but it also means a religious duty to study and learn, both religious knowledge and worldly knowledge that benefits humankind.

•  Hinduism — Tolerance

Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest and most diverse religions, originating over 4,000 years ago on the Indian subcontinent.  In the early twenty-first century the number of believers, sometimes called Hindus, was estimated at almost one and a quarter billion, living primarily in India and Nepal.  Hinduism is often called Sanātana Dharma— सनातन धर्म —meaning “the eternal way,” although the way includes a variety of spiritual paths and faiths.  Religious tolerance is a central principle of Hinduism.  Hinduism has no single founder and no central authority.  Its diverse beliefs and practices are derived from vast collection of sacred texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.  Each of them provides insights, moral guidance, and epic stories. 

Most Hindu faiths do have some core teachings in common.  The first is belief in Brahmin— ब्राह्मण —as the ultimate, infinite reality and universal spirit that is present in all things and unites all existence.  Brahmin is God.  Hindus worship many Deities, but each Deity represents different aspects of Brahman.  Among the most revered Deities are Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer.  Goddesses include Devi, Durga, and Lakshmi, along with Gods such as Krishna, Rama, and Ganesha.

Each individual person has a soul, called the Atman— आत्मन् —but every soul is also a manifestation of Brahmin.  One of the most important passages in the Bhagavad Gita describes the soul:

Central to Hindu ethics is the concept of dharma— धर्मः —a combination of righteous duty, moral law, and personal responsibility.  Hindu teachings emphasize ethical responsibilities which vary based on your age, role, and stage of life.  Adhering to your dharma is considered essential to fulfilling your social and spiritual duties and to living in harmony with the Universe. 

Your dharma matters due to karma— कर्म —which Hindus treat as a supernatural law of cause and effect.  Every action you take has consequences affecting your present lifetime and, because of reincarnation, may also affect future lifetimes.  Another way of describing reincarnation is samsara— संसारः —which Hindus call the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth influenced by karma.  Liberation from this cycle is called moksha— मोक्षः —and achieving that is the ultimate goal.  Moksha means that the individual soul (Atman) unites with the ultimate reality (Brahmin).  Different paths can reach this goal, including devotion, knowledge, and selfless action.  Hindu philosophy also emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), a principle that includes truthfulness, compassion, and respect for all living beings.  

The Purusharthas— पुरुषार्थाः —are called the Four Goals of Human Life.  For a devout Hindu, a virtuous life means balancing these four goals: dharma (duty), artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure and desire), and moksha (spiritual liberation).

Hinduism does not have a single definitive list of virtues, but these virtues are common among Hindus:

• Righteousness— धर्मः —pronounced dharma.  Live ethically according to the truth, the moral order, and your duty tailored to your role in society.  By living according to your Dharma, your actions align to the cosmic order.
• Non-violence— अहिंसा —pronounced ahimsa.  The highest virtue, emphasizing kindness, compassion, and avoiding harm to any living being.  Avoiding harm to others means practicing peaceful conduct and also kindness in thought, word, and deed towards all living beings.  This includes dietary choices such as vegetarianism.
• Compassion and Mercy— दया —pronounced daya.  The word originally meant “gift” in response to feeling empathy for someone who is suffering.  All acts of compassion and mercy matter because all forms of life are interconnected.  The Hindi word karuna— करुणा —also means “compassion.”    
• Truthfulness— सत्यम् —pronounced satyam.  Commitment to honesty and integrity, both in speech and behavior.  Honesty is essential for building trust and integrity in all aspects of life and for avoiding self-deception. 
• Charity— दान —pronounced daan.  Selfless giving, support for others without expecting a reward.  This can be giving money, food, knowledge, or time to those in need.
• Non-stealing— अस्तेय —pronounce dasteya.  Not taking what does not belong to you.  This applies to physical possessions as well as to ideas and opportunities.
• Non-possession— अपरिग्रहः —pronounced aparigraha.  Practice detachment from material possessions and avoid greed. 
• Self-control— ब्रह्माचार्यः —pronounced brahmacharya.  Control your desires, particularly sexual desires.  It can mean celibacy for a spiritual seeker.  It also means self-discipline and moderation in all aspects of life.  In Hinduism, a high priest is called a Brahmin.  Brahmacharya literally means “Conduct consistent with a Brahmin.”
• Purity— शौच —pronounced shaucha.  This includes both external hygiene and internal purity of the mind. 
• Forgiveness— क्षमा —pronounced kshama.  Forgive even those who have caused you harm.  Have patience.  Anger and resentment are obstacles to spiritual progress.
• Wisdom— ज्ञान —pronounced jñāna or dñāna.  Cultivating moral knowledge leads to a better understanding of good and evil. 
• Austerity— तपः —pronounced tapah.  Practice self-discipline and simplicity to purify your mind and body.
• Contentment— संतोष —pronounced santosha.  Cultivate inner peace and satisfaction, regardless of circumstances.  Find satisfaction with what you have instead of pursuing material things.
• Faith— श्रद्धा —pronounced śraddhā .  Trust in spiritual teachings and the Divine order.
• Devotion— भक्ति —pronounced bhakti.  Sincere love for and devotion to the Divine, expressed through worship and by surrendering your ego.
• Humility— विनयम् —pronounced vinayam.  Develop modesty and be respectful of everyone.
• Service— सेवा —pronounced Seva.  Serve others without expectation of a reward.  See the Divine in all beings.  Selfless service and hospitality are expressions of generosity and care. 

•  Buddhism — Detachment

Buddhism was founded in India in the fifth century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama.  He is usually referred to by his title, the Buddha, which means the “Awakened One.”  The Buddha is not worshipped; instead, Buddhists revere him for his wisdom. 

Buddhism includes many ideas found in Hinduism, such as karma (involving reincarnation or rebirth) and ahimsa (non-violence).  Unlike Hinduism, however, Buddhism is not centered on a Divine Creator.  Instead, Buddhism emphasizes your own human capacity to recognize (“awaken to”) the truth about life and existence.  Realizing that truth is called enlightenment.

Buddhism teaches that the cycle of rebirth (samsara) is a continuation of suffering—but by understanding the nature of suffering and by letting go of emotional attachment, you can achieve peace, clarity, and ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth.  Detachment, letting go of attachment, is the most important principle of Buddhism, to be achieved through ethical living, mindfulness, wisdom, and meditation.  The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to achieve Nirvana, a state of complete liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

In the early twenty-first century there were about 520 million Buddhists worldwide.  Various branches of Buddhism include Theravada, which is prevalent in Southeast Asia; Mahayana, which is dominant in East Asia; and Vajrayana, found mainly in Tibet and Mongolia.

The Buddha himself discovered the Four Noble Truths that he later taught.  They are:

• The Truth of Suffering, pronounced as Dukkha in the language of Pali.  Suffering is an inherent part of existence.  This includes physical pain and mental suffering, such as stress, disappointment, and impermanence.
• The Truth of the Cause of Suffering, pronounced as Samudaya.  The root of suffering is emotional attachment, which is caused by craving.  People cling to things, experiences, and ideas, all of which change because nothing is permanent, and then people suffer.
• The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering, pronounced as Nirodha.  Suffering can be ended by letting go of emotional attachment.  The most important principle of Buddhism’s detachment.
• The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering, pronounced as Magga.  The way to achieve detachment and end suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

The path to end suffering is called the Noble Eightfold Path.  These are eight behaviors a Buddhists should practice for mental and ethical improvement:

• Right Understanding.  Comprehend the nature of reality and the Four Noble Truths.
• Right Intention.  Cultivate thoughts of goodwill and non-violence and renounce emotional attachments to materialism.
• Right Speech.  Abstain from lying, harsh language, and gossip.  Speak the truth but communicate kindly and helpfully.
• Right Action.  Abstain from harming living beings, and from stealing, and from sexual misconduct.
• Right Livelihood.  Earn a living in a way that does not cause harm to others.
• Right Effort.  Strive to prevent unwholesome states of mind.  Cultivate wholesome ones.
• Right Mindfulness.  Be fully aware of your body, feelings, mind, and thoughts—in the present moment, always.
• Right Concentration.  Practice mental focus and meditation to gain insight and inner peace.

Virtues are essential to achieving enlightenment.  They are practiced over many lifetimes to purify the mind and achieve liberation from suffering.  To accomplish the Noble Eightfold Path, many Buddhists are guided by the Four Immeasurables, the Five Precepts, and the Six Perfections.

The Four Immeasurables, also known as the Four Brahmavihāras, are:

• Loving-kindness, pronounced Mettā.  An unconditional wish for the happiness and well-being of all beings.  Cultivate unconditional friendliness towards all beings.  Maintain emotional balance and calm, without attachment or aversion.
• Compassion, pronounced Karuṇā.  The desire to alleviate the suffering of others.  Practice empathy towards all beings, and actively work to alleviate others’ suffering.
• Sympathetic Joy, pronounced Muditā.  Rejoice in the happiness and success of others.  This counteracts jealousy and envy.
• Equanimity, pronounced Upekkhā.  Impartiality.  A state of calm and even-mindedness, free from emotional attachments. 

The Five Precepts are:

• Abstain from killing.  Protect life.  Do not harm or take the life of any living being. 
• Abstain from taking what is not given to you.  Do not steal.  Practice generosity.
• Abstain from sexual misconduct.  Do not misuse the physical senses.  Cultivate wholesome relationships.
• Abstain from wrong speech.  Avoid lying and divisive speech.  Speak truthfully and kindly.
• Abstain from intoxicants.  Do not use substances that cloud the mind and impair clarity.

The Six Perfections, also known as the Six Paramitas, are taught by Mahayana Buddhism.  The six are:

• Generosity, pronounced dāna.  Selfless giving and charity, including material support, time, or kindness, without attachment.  Generosity helps to overcome attachment, greed, and selfishness.
• Morality, pronounced sila.  Obey moral precepts, such as refraining from killing, stealing, and lying.
• Patience, pronounced kṣānti.  Endure difficult situations without becoming angry, resentful, or frustrated.  Kṣānti means actively practicing mental and emotional calmness.
• Diligence, pronounced vīrya.  Courageous and persistent effort to practice the Noble Eightfold Path.  This is the energy driving the other perfections, ensuring that you do not become lazy or emotionally discouraged.
• Meditation, pronounced dhyāna.  The practice of mental concentration.  Meditation helps to calm the mind and develops its focus, leading to inner peace and tranquility.  It is the basis for gaining insight.
• Wisdom, pronounced prajñā.  The culmination of the other perfections.  Wisdom means insight into the true nature of reality, the causes of suffering, and the impermanence of things.

•  Daoism — Harmony through Balance

Daoism, also spelled Taoism, is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion that emerged between the fourth and sixth centuries BCE.  Daoism is vaguely explained in an ancient book titled the Dao De Jing, also spelled Tao Te Ching, a book traditionally attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, also spelled Laozi.  Instead of a name, Lao Tzu is an honorary title meaning “Old Master.”  Together with the later writings of the Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zhou, including his book Zhuangzi, these works use poetry, parables, and paradoxes to express wisdom about the Dao.  

The Dao means literally “the Way”— 道 — which can be a road or a path, but it also refers to the spontaneous and self-regulating harmony of nature.  The Dao is believed to be a force that is the source of all that exists, flowing through everything in the Universe.  The Dao is not considered a Deity because the Dao is beyond human comprehension and cannot be captured in words.  According to a Daoist saying, “The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao.”    

Daoism emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao through simplicity, spontaneity, and balance.  By practicing compassion, frugality, and humility, Daoists aim to achieve a peaceful inner life, free from the distractions and emptiness of worldly pursuits.  To be a Daoist is to align your life with the natural flow that is the Dao.

For thousands of years, Daoism has profoundly influenced Chinese culture, shaping art, medicine, martial arts, and political thought.  Daoism has philosophical and religious branches.  Philosophical Daoism emphasizes contemplation and harmony with the natural order.  Religious Daoism incorporates rituals, meditation, and practices aimed at longevity, as well as reverence for deities and immortals.

Achieving harmony through balance is a fundamental principle of Daoism.  A central concept of Daoism is yin and yang— 陰陽 —symbolizing two complementary forces that balance all aspects of reality.  Yin represents darkness, stillness, passivity, and femininity.  Yang represents light, energy, activity, and masculinity.  Both yin and yang are essential and interdependent.  Understanding yin and yang means accepting complementary opposites and avoiding extremes.  The Daoist ideal is to achieve this balance by living gently, adapting to life like water—soft and yielding, but ultimately powerful through persistence.  This includes balancing action with rest, speaking with silence, and exerting strength with gentleness.  Rigid adherence to any single approach may not always work.

Another fundamental principle of Daoism is effortless action— 無為 —pronounced wú wéi.  Effortless action does not mean doing nothing, but to act in a way that is natural and spontaneous, without aggressiveness or force.  It is skillful action that does not struggle and fight against circumstances but uses them, letting things happen rather than forcing them.  The flow of the Dao is like water moving around an obstacle.  Effortless action is a principle, not a virtue, but Daoism teaches that a person who acts with wú wéi and in harmony with the Dao becomes inherently virtuous.

The Dao within a person is sometimes called De— 德 —pronounced day or tey.  It means “virtue” or “inner power” and it arises naturally when you live in harmony with the Dao.  Daoist virtue includes maintaining a sense of wonder, playfulness, and being curious about life’s mysteries, especially in the natural world.  This virtue includes not taking yourself too seriously.

The “Three Treasures” or “Three Jewels” of Daoism are compassion, frugality, and humility.  These are the core virtues of Daoism.  Practicing them fosters inner peace and wisdom while freeing you from greed, pride, and excessive desire.

• Compassion— 慈 —pronounced Cí.  Sometimes translated as “kind” or “mercy.”  Show genuine empathy and care for all beings.  Have a gentle, nurturing, non-aggressive spirit.  Compassion nurtures courage, a connection with all living beings, and life without the ego.
• Frugality— 儉 —pronounced Jiǎn.  Practice simplicity and moderation, avoiding excess and waste.  Live a simple life, free from excessive desires, material possessions, and extravagance.  Be content with what you have, for this reduces stress and your ego’s desire to be glorified.
• Humility— 無爭 —pronounced wú zhēng, sometimes translated as “no conflict.”  Be gentle towards animals, plants, and the natural environment.  Avoid conflict or competition.  Avoid harm to others. 

Other Daoist virtues include:

• Spontaneity— 自然 —pronounced Ziran or Zì Rán.  Be authentic and true to your nature, genuine, unpretentious.  Live in a way that is unforced and sincere rather than pursuing superficial goals.
• Simplicity— 樸 —pronounced Pú.  The “uncarved block” is a Daoist metaphor for simplicity and for pure potential.  It means natural authenticity, like an “uncarved block.”  The virtue of Pú is about returning to your original unrefined nature, free from the complexities and desires imposed by civilization.  The ideal is a mind that is clear, calm, and open. 
• Flexible Softness— 弱 —pronounced Ruò.  Daoist philosophy often contrasts the strength of hardness against the resilience of softness.  Water, although soft and yielding, can wear away rock.  A Daoist saying is, “I dare not be the first in the world.”  This is another way of describing humility: not seeking to dominate others.  It is the opposite of ambition.  By not trying to be first, a person can remain flexible, adaptable, and a natural follower of the Dao’s flow.
• Contentment— 知足 —pronounced Zhīzú.  Instead of constantly seeking more, be satisfied with what you have.  Appreciate simple pleasures.  This leads to inner peace and freedom from anxiety.
• Clarity— 明晰 —pronounced Míngxī.  Clarity means seeing through illusions and understanding the deeper patterns of existence.  It means trusting your intuitive knowledge, which is different from purely intellectual analysis.

•  Confucianism — Mutual Respect and Kindness

Confucianism was founded in China in the fifth or sixth centuries BCE by Kong Qiu, also known as the Master Kong, known more famously by his honorary name, Confucius.  Confucianism is not a religion in the traditional sense.  Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system emphasizing moral conduct, personal self-improvement, virtuous relationships, and social harmony.  The term Confucianism has no equivalent in the Chinese language because it coined by European visitors to China in the sixteenth century CE.  The closest term in Chinese is the word the word rú— 儒 —pronounced ROO and means “scholar” or “refined man.”  Today, some scholars refer to the philosophy as Ruism.

Confucianism treats secular traditions and rituals as almost sacred because they encourage predictability and order.  If they are neglected due to disrespect, the results might be more chaotic than the violators expected.  Religious traditions and rituals are likewise considered important because the Master Kong believed that Heaven— 天 —pronounced Tian and meaning the Divine cosmic order, will encourage benevolence, justice, and harmony on Earth when human relationships throughout society obey the virtues of Heaven.

The Master Kong said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”  He emphasized that anyone, regardless of birth, can become virtuous through study, reflection, and practice.  The Analects, a collection of his sayings, form the foundation of Confucian beliefs, along with texts such as Mencius, The Great Learning, and The Doctrine of the Mean.  For more than 2,500 years, Confucianism has profoundly influenced East Asian culture, education, and governance, shaping ideas about morality and leadership. 

A foundational principle of Confucianism is mutual respect and kindness, sometimes called “reciprocity.”  The Master Kong called this Shù— 恕 —treat other people as you wish to be treated.  This is a principle taught by nearly all religions, but their reasons differ.  Many religions teach that a Divine Creator commands us to obey this principle.  Other religions teach that violating this principle will harm your karma and therefore harm your future lifetimes.  Confucianism teaches that violating this principle harms you and also harms your society—in your present lifetime—but that obeying this principle encourages harmony and becomes an example to other people.  The greater the person, the greater the example exhibited by that person for others to emulate.  When a ruler obeys this principle, it becomes an example for the ruler’s entire realm and encourages harmony throughout the realm.

The Master Kong taught that society is upheld by five human relationships: ruler and subject, parent and child, husband and wife, elder sibling and younger sibling, and friend and friend.  Each relationship is defined by mutual respect and moral responsibilities.  Confucian ideals promote a system in which government officials are chosen based on their moral character and education instead of their birth.  Rulers are expected to serve as ethical models for their people, governing with benevolence virtues and.

Confucianism also teaches that respect for elders and ancestors is the foundation of a harmonious family and a harmonious society.  This is called filial piety— 孝順 —pronounced Xiàoshùn or simply Xiào.  This includes obedience to parents, honoring their memory after death, and bringing honor to the family name through virtuous behavior.  

The personal goal of Confucianism is to develop yourself into a morally ideal person, known as a jūnzǐ— 君子 —sometimes translated as “exemplary person” or “gentleman.”  A jūnzǐ leads through moral example, takes responsibility for society’s welfare, and continuously works on self-improvement.  Becoming a jūnzǐ is not achieved by birth.  Confucius taught that you become one by studying, learning, self-reflection, and practicing moral integrity. 

The primary virtues of Confucianism are called the Five Constants— 五常 —pronounced wǔ cháng.  They are:

• Benevolence— 仁 —pronounced Rén.  Benevolence is the inner moral force driving a person to love and care for others.  Confucianism teaches that Rén is the supreme virtue and the source from which all other virtues flow.  Rén means more than practicing rituals—Rén gives those rituals meaning and cultivates the moral character of the participants.  When rituals have meaning, they become reminders of moral responsibility.
• Righteousness— 義 —pronounced Yì.  Do what is right and just, regardless of personal gain or personal cost.
• Propriety— 禮 —pronounced Lĭ.  Respect tradition, proper conduct, etiquette, and rituals that maintain social order and respect for others.  Propriety regulates human relationships and is crucial for maintaining social harmony.
• Wisdom— 智 —pronounced Zhì.  The ability to judge correctly and to make good ethical decisions.  The pursuit of learning to achieve both intellectual and moral understanding.  This includes studying classical texts and learning from experience.  The goal is not only intellectual knowledge but also practical wisdom, then acting virtuously.
• Sincerity— 信 —pronounced Xìn.  Sometimes translated as “trustworthy.”  Be honest, truthful, reliable, and maintain your integrity in all dealings.  Keep your promises.  Sincerity builds trust, and trust is essential for building strong personal relationships and a cohesive society.