Eastern Beliefs

- Hindus practice love for all living creatures, nonviolence (ahimsa), selfless conduct.

- In Buddhism compassion and love for all creatures contains merit that exceeds giving offerings to gods.

- Jainism is a religion adhering to love and compassion: Jains practice strict asceticism, nonviolence (even in self-defense), and opposition to war.

- The goal of Sikhism is moksha (release from the life cycle and union with God). Moksha results in the soul being immersed in a loving self-transcendence of egoless bliss (ananda). The Sikh becomes assimilated and identified with God. This fulfillment of individuality frees man of all his limitations, becoming co-extensive, co-operant, and co-present with God. Moksha implies release into God’s love.
- Salvation lies in understanding the Divine Truth, and that man’s surest path lies in faith, love, purity, and devotion.

- The primary goal of Confucianism is to create a true nobility through proper education and virtues, described as returning to the way of our ancestors. Confucianists strive for perfect virtue, righteousness (Yi), and improvement of character. They practice Jen (humanity or love), harmony in the family, peace and stability of the empire, and a strict code of conduct. All men may achieve spiritual nobility.
- The purpose of life is to pursue an orderly and reverent existence in accordance with Li (propriety or virtue), so as to become the Superior Man. The superior man’s greatest virtue is benevolent love. Other great virtues are duty, wisdom, truth, and propriety.