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Free will is a cornerstone of Western philosophy, while Eastern thought often incorporates the idea of liberation (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth or conforming to the natural order (Tao).

Western thought on the soul often involves a one-time judgment after death. Eastern belief systems such as Hinduism and Buddhism include the idea of reincarnation, with the soul's evolution over many lifetimes.

Western religions like Christianity often claim exclusivity to truth and salvation. Eastern philosophies, as in Jainism, may advocate for non-absolutism, accepting multiple truths (Anekantavada).

In Western philosophy, virtues like justice and courage are cardinal. Eastern traditions may highlight virtues such as compassion (karuna) and right action as part of the Eightfold Path.

In Western thought, God is typically seen as a singular, personal, and omnipotent being. In contrast, Eastern philosophies often perceive the divine as immanent, with a pantheistic or non-theistic approach.

Prayer in Western religions is a way to communicate with God and often involves petition. Meditation in Eastern practices focuses on inner tranquility, enlightenment, or realization of one's true nature.

In Western religious practice, rituals are often sacramental, signaling a covenant with God. Eastern rituals may serve to align oneself with universal rhythms or honor ancestral and natural spirits.

Western thought typically envisions time linearly, with a beginning and end. Eastern philosophies often depict time cyclically, as with the endless cycle of years and life (samsara).

Western philosophy and science often seek an objective reality. Buddhism's concept of Sunyata suggests that the nature of reality is emptiness, lacking inherent existence, subject to interpretation.

In Western thought, human nature is often seen as fixed and dualistic (body and soul). Eastern philosophies like Taoism perceive human nature as part of the natural world and inherently good or flexible.

Western philosophy places a heavy emphasis on logical reasoning. Eastern thought, while also valuing logic, often accepts paradoxes as revealing a deeper truth, such as in Zen koans.

Western notions of justice tend to be based on law and individual rights. Eastern concepts often focus on social harmony, balance, and collective well-being, as in Confucianism or Hindu social order.

Western religions may rely on a central church authority or scriptures. Eastern traditions often give prominence to gurus, spiritual masters, and personal experiential knowledge.

Western religions often view Ultimate Reality as an omniscient God. Eastern traditions such as Advaita Vedanta see it as a non-dual consciousness, while Buddhism considers it in terms of Sunyata or emptiness.

Western ethics are often based on principles like Kantianism or utilitarianism, while Eastern ethics may emphasize duties and communal responsibilities, as seen in Confucianism and the Hindu caste system.

Western religions commonly preach about heaven and hell as final destinies. In contrast, Eastern beliefs include the cycle of rebirth, where karma determines one's future existence.

Western thought often centers on serving God or attaining individual success, while Eastern philosophies may emphasize enlightenment, harmony with the Tao, or fulfilling one's dharma.

The Western epistemic tradition emphasizes empirical evidence and logic. Eastern perspectives often value intuition and inner wisdom, with teachings like Zen emphasizing direct experience.

In Western traditions, asceticism is often seen as a way to purify the soul and grow closer to God. Eastern ascetic practices aim at enlightenment, liberation from desires, or gaining deeper insights.

Western religions often believe in specific revelations from God, through prophets or scriptures. Eastern religious traditions may see wisdom as universally accessible or arising from within.

Western philosophy often emphasizes individualism and the inherent existence of the self, while Eastern traditions like Buddhism view the self as an illusion (Anatta) and focus on collective harmony.

Western thought typically distinguishes humans from nature, promoting dominion over it. Eastern views, particularly in Daoism, advocate for a harmonious relationship and balance with nature.

Western religions often see suffering as a test of faith or a consequence of original sin. Eastern thought, as in Buddhism, considers suffering to arise from desires and ignorance, to be overcome by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

Western religious thought tends to be exclusivist. In contrast, Eastern religions can be more syncretic, with practices and beliefs often blending within cultural traditions.

Creation in Western thought, as in Christian tradition, is ex-nihilo (out of nothing) by a divine Creator. Eastern creation stories, such as in Buddhism and Hinduism, may involve cyclical creation and destruction with no absolute beginning.

In the Western theodicy, evil is a problem that challenges the existence of an all-good and all-powerful God. Eastern thought often addresses evil through the concept of ignorance and the imbalance of yin and yang.

Western theology typically speaks of faith and good deeds as a path to salvation. In Eastern practices, moksha or nirvana is achieved through knowledge, meditation, and righteous living.

Western traditions often address suffering in the context of divine will or human sin. Eastern perspectives, e.g., in Buddhism, frame suffering as rooted in attachment and as something to be understood and transcended through practice.

Western thought may equate enlightenment with the age of reason and knowledge. In Eastern traditions, enlightenment is a spiritual awakening and the realization of one's true nature or ultimate reality.