Key Concepts

The principle of cause and effect — every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in kind. Good actions create positive karma; harmful actions create negative karma.

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”Bhagavad Gita 2:47

Cosmic order and moral law. One's dharma is their duty, determined by their nature and place in life. Living in accordance with dharma sustains harmony in the universe.

“Better is one's own dharma, though imperfectly performed, than the dharma of another well performed.”Bhagavad Gita 3:35

The ultimate goal in Buddhism — the extinguishing of desire, hatred, and delusion, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Not a place, but a state of being.

“There is an unborn, unbecome, unmade, unconditioned. If there were not, there would be no escape.”Udana 8.3

Repentance in Islam — the act of turning back to God with sincere regret for wrongdoing and the intention not to repeat it. God's mercy is considered unlimited for sincere repentance.

“Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”Quran 39:53

Deliverance from sin and its consequences, granted by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Central to Christian theology across all major denominations.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:16

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy), containing the laws given to Moses at Sinai. In a broader sense, it encompasses all Jewish teaching and law.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”Deuteronomy 6:4

The primary name for God in Sikhism, meaning 'Wonderful Lord' or 'Wonderful Teacher.' Sikhs meditate on this name as a spiritual practice called Nam Japna.

“Recognize the Lord's light within all, and do not consider social class or status.”Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 349

Literally 'non-doing' or 'effortless action.' The Taoist practice of acting in harmony with the natural flow of the universe rather than forcing outcomes.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”Tao Te Ching

Often misunderstood, jihad means 'striving' or 'struggle.' The greater jihad is the internal struggle to live righteously; the lesser jihad refers to defending the community.

“And those who strive for Us — We will surely guide them to Our ways.”Quran 29:69

Liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The ultimate spiritual goal in Hinduism, achieved through knowledge, devotion, or right action.

“Having abandoned all desires, one who lives without longing, without 'mine,' without ego — attains peace.”Bhagavad Gita 2:71