Geographic Index
Wisdom traditions organized by region and cultural origin
Wisdom traditions developed in different geographic regions, shaped by local cultures, environments, and historical circumstances. Explore how geography influenced the development of spiritual and philosophical systems.
🇮🇳 South Asia
The birthplace of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, South Asia developed rich philosophical traditions focused on meditation, dharma, and liberation.
Hinduism
Origin: Indus Valley Civilization (1500 BCE+) • Major centers: Varanasi, Haridwar, Kathmandu
Buddhism
Origin: Ancient India (500 BCE) • Birthplace: Lumbini (Nepal) • Major centers: Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar
Sikhism
Origin: Punjab (1469 CE) • Founder: Guru Nanak • Holy city: Amritsar
Jainism
Origin: Ancient India (600 BCE) • Philosophy: Non-violence and ascetic practice • Major centers: Jaipur, Gujarat
🏯 East Asia
Home to Taoism, Confucianism, Zen Buddhism, and Shinto. East Asian traditions emphasize harmony with nature, ancestor veneration, and social order.
Taoism
Origin: Ancient China (500 BCE) • Philosophy: The Tao, Wu Wei, Harmony • Major centers: China, Taiwan
Confucianism
Origin: Ancient China (500 BCE) • Founder: Confucius • Emphasis: Ethics, virtue, social relationships
Zen Buddhism
Origin: China (500 CE) • Developed in: Japan, Korea • Practice: Meditation, koan study
Shinto
Origin: Japan (prehistoric) • Philosophy: Kami veneration, nature spirits, ritual purity
🌙 Middle East & Central Asia
Birthplace of Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. These regions saw the development of monotheistic traditions and mystical movements.
Islam
Origin: Arabian Peninsula (610 CE) • Birthplace: Mecca • Major centers: Cairo, Baghdad, Istanbul
Judaism
Origin: Ancient Levant (2000 BCE) • Homeland: Israel/Palestine • Major centers: Jerusalem, worldwide diaspora
Sufism
Origin: Islamic mysticism (8th century) • Major centers: Persia, Ottoman Empire, North Africa
Zoroastrianism
Origin: Ancient Persia (600 BCE) • Philosophy: Dualism, good vs. evil • Legacy: Influential on Western religions
✝️ Mediterranean & Europe
Center of Western philosophy and Christianity. Developed intellectual traditions emphasizing reason, logic, and organized faith.
Christianity
Origin: Palestine (30 CE) • Major centers: Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem • Spread: Europe, Mediterranean
Western Philosophy
Origin: Ancient Greece (600 BCE) • Major thinkers: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle • Legacy: Foundation of Western thought
Stoicism
Origin: Ancient Greece/Rome (300 BCE) • Emphasis: Virtue, duty, acceptance of fate
Mysticism
Medieval European contemplative traditions • Major figures: Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross
🌍 Africa
Home to indigenous spiritualities, ancient mystery schools, and diverse shamanic traditions deeply connected to land and ancestors.
African Shamanism
Practice: Across Africa • Focus: Spirit communication, healing, community
African Ancestors Veneration
Practice: Throughout Africa • Belief: Ancestors guide and protect the living
Ancient Egyptian Mysteries
Origin: Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE) • Influence: Initiatory systems, sacred geometry, alchemy
🏔️ Americas
Indigenous spiritual traditions emphasizing connection to earth, celestial observations, and communal rituals developed independent of other world traditions.
Native American Spirituality
Practice: North America • Focus: Connection to nature, sacred ceremonies, oral traditions
Mesoamerican Traditions
Origin: Mayan and Aztec civilizations • Focus: Astronomical knowledge, ceremonial calendar
Andean Traditions
Origin: Incan and pre-Incan cultures • Focus: Mountain veneration, earthly powers, cosmic order
🏝️ Oceania
Indigenous traditions of Pacific and Australian regions emphasizing navigation, storytelling, and connection to land and sea.
Aboriginal Spirituality
Origin: Australia (50,000+ years) • Focus: Dreamtime, land connection, ceremony
Pacific Islander Traditions
Practice: Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia • Focus: Mana, ocean navigation, ancestor honor