13 tensions
Tensions Graph
Where the traditions genuinely disagree. These are not "different emphases" — they are mutually exclusive claims on questions each tradition considers decisive. Held, not smoothed.
#1 The Ultimate
Is the ultimate reality personal?
#2 The Incarnation
Did God become human?
#3 The Self
What is the nature of the self/soul?
#4 Origin of Evil
What is the source of evil/suffering?
#5 The Goal
What is the ultimate fulfillment?
#6 World Orientation
Renounce or affirm the world?
#7 Time
Is time linear or cyclical?
#8 Grace vs Self-Effort
How is liberation attained?
#9 Independent Investigation
Received authority or personal inquiry?
#10 Caste / Role-Fixity
Is standing independent of birth-station, or fixed by role?
#11 Meta-Claim
Are religions one or distinct?
#12 Non-Harm Scope
How far does non-harm extend?
#13 Authority Locus
Where does binding authority sit?
These tensions are not problems to solve. They are irreducible disagreements that an honest cross-tradition map must preserve. A union compass speaks from convergence and about these divergences — never resolving them by fiat.
Read the full Divergence Map →