emphasis on mortality, virtue, calm and emotional fortitude

Application of philosophy to define and explain religious doctrines

Emphasis on the human person; use of philosophy to understand the society, nature and humanity

Reason and logic is considered the basis of knowledge and belief

Knowledge is gained through sense and experience

Discussions on the ideal human situation and society; emphasis on individual rights and liberties

Studies and observes the relation between things and laws of science; knowledge is based on observable phenomena

An action is morally right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Emphasis on the practical use of knowledge and ideas

Human experience is defined by the views, emotions, and actions of the individual.

Experience is studied based on the subjective viewpoint of the individual.

Belief in one God (monotheism), who has a role in the ultimate destiny of mankind; the Jewish people are God’s chosen people

Belief in a pantheon of gods, with three main gods – Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu Belief in a cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara), which is broken when a person achieves ultimate union with the Divine (moksha)

An animistic religion influenced by Japanese myth and traditions

Rejects the idea of a Creator and considers the universe as eternal and unceasing and has five main vows ahimsa, satya, asteya, Brahmacharya, aparigraha

The Four Noble Truths describe worldly existence as imperfect and influenced by earthly desires and suffering (dukkha); to rid oneself of desire and achieve liberation from suffering, one must follow the Eightfold Path.

The contemplation of the order of things can lead to self-transformation. Sel-ftransformation can lead to the betterment of the family and society.

Emphasis on the unity and harmony among opposing elements (yin and yang)

Belief in one God (Allah); commitment to faith is shown through the practice of The Five Pillars: testament of faith (shahada), daily prayers (salat), alms-giving (zakat), fasting during the month of Ramadan (sawm), and pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca (hajj).

God is believed to have created the universe and is present everywhere and in everything.