When Prince Siddhartha Gautama felt the dissonance between his luxurious life-style and the realities of poverty, sickness, old age, and death, he discovered impermanence and found motivation for his spiritual search. After years of searching and while meditating under the Bodhi tree, he became a Buddha (an enlightened one). In his sermon in Deer Park, he outlined the Four Noble Truths which became the foundation of Buddhism: (1) all life is suffering, dukkha, (2) the cause of suffering is attachment, identification, tanha, (3) we can overcome suffering by discovering a new level of consciousness, nirvana, and (4) we make this discovery by following an eightfold path: right understanding, intention, action, meditation, etc. Buddhism’s great wisdom is that dharma (universal cosmic law) is not buried in technical jargon or the exclusive claim of a few ‘holy people,’ but is within the reach of all humanity.

Living in the 5th century, B.C.E. during a time when the feudal system in China was breaking down and disorder ran amuck, Confucius sought to convert people to the principles and standards established by antiquity. The teachings of Confucius (a codification of the standards of antiquity) were almost entirely practical and ethical. They were based on the natural kinship of all people and applied especially to rulers. His reforms established social order, just and equitable rule, and nearly eliminated crime. In subsequent centuries, his teachings have exerted influence not only upon the Chinese nation but also on international philosophy.

Lao-tse, a Chinese philosopher living at about 600 B.C, is credited with founding Taoism. A legendary figure, he is believed to be the author of the Tao Te Ching, 81 poems that for over 2500 years have exerted tremendous influence on Eastern art, literature and philosophy. Lao-tse believed in an Absolute beyond words and ordinary knowledge, and sought to bring people into harmony with it. His theory that the movement of Tao consists in reversals, helped cultivate the forbearance and resilience of his followers. Lao-tse identified a natural wisdom inherent in all things and events.

The prophet Isaiah (and the writers who added supplements to his prophecies, i.e., 2nd and 3rd Isaiah) represent the encouragement given to the Jewish people during the difficult time when they were taken into exile. The whole center of their culture and religious life (the ark, the temple, Jerusalem) had been taken away from them. The import of Isaiah is to assure us that faith has its basis beyond the implements and symbols that we use to rehearse it. Isaiah reaffirmed the promise of the covenant and the reversal of fortunes foreshadowed by the rainbow. Isaiah’s messages encouraged the people to believe in it and wait for it. "They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint," (Isaiah 40:31).