 Ideas from Eastern philosophies

Eastern philosophy has always had a very similar goal to

Western philosophy which will making us wiser, less agitated,
more thoughtful, and readier to appreciate our lives. However,
the way it has gone about this has been intriguingly different.
Philosophy has taught its lesson by means of tea drinking
ceremony, walking in bamboo forest, contemplation of rivers
and ritualized flower arranging session.
Here are the ideas on what eastern philosophy might really
be:
1. LIFE is SUFFERING
2. BENEVOLENCE
3. GUANYIN
4. NOT MAKING an EFFORT
5. BAMBOO as WISDOM
6. KINTSUGI
This are ideas offers us the distinctive wisdom of how to enrich
our notions on how to be a good individual.

 Difference between Eastern and Western Philosophy

WESTERN
1. There is a spiritual reality
and physical reality.
2. Human life is often valued
among other life.
3. The journey of mankind is
linear.
4. Goal: To deal with the
problem of immorality and be
reunited with GOD.
5. The divine is apart from
material and exists
separately from it.
EASTERN
1. There is one reality.
2. Life may be viewed as
sacred.
3. The journey of mankind is
cyclical.
4. Goal: To deal with the
problem of ignorance and
achieved enlightenment.
5. The divine is a part of
creation and found
everywhere in it.

 Similarities of Eastern and Western Philosophy

In the purpose of human existence, the similarities of between
eastern and western philosophy is greater than any differences cited
by modern day writers and lecturers on the topic. The most often cited
difference is that western philosophy is FRAGMENTARY while eastern
philosophy is HOLISTIC.
According to Sankara Saranam, a popular writer and author of
"Without God", religion is one example of the differences of eastern
and western philosophy because eastern philosophy concerned with
general knowledge while western aims at specific knowledge so both
Eastern and Western thinkers alike believe that human beings are
essentially the same all over the world, only the details and customs
differ.
In terms of morality, the best example, however of the fundamental
sameness of Eastern and Western thought is epitomized in the works
of two of the best known philosophers from their respective
hemispheres: Plato of the West and Wang Yangming form the East.
The two philosophers have exerted enormous influence through
their works, and both argue for the existence of innate knowledge; that
human beings are born knowing right from wrong, and good from bad,
and need only be encouraged to pursue goodness in order to live a
fulfilling life.
The only differences between the concepts of both philosophers
are only cosmetics and linguistic, but in fact there is no difference in
their fundamental ideas. Philosopher form the east have always been
engaged in exactly the same pursuit as their counterparts in the west.
There is no eastern and western philosophy there is only one
philosophy for both hemispheres. The love of wisdom knows no
separate region; philosophy defies all boundaries and every kind of
petty regional definition.

 Beliefs of Eastern and Western Philosophy

Eastern philosophy refers very broadly to the various
philosophies of the east namely Asia, including China, India, and
Japan, it does not have the rigid academic traditions found in western
thinking.

Philosophical and Religious Traditions of the East:

 HINDUISM – believes in Dharma, Reincarnation,
Karma and Moksha.
 CONFUCIANISM- emphasizes formal rituals in
every aspects of life, from quasi-religious ceremony to
strict politeness and deference to one’s elders,
specifically to one’s parents and to the state in the form
of the emperor.
 TAOISM- emphasizes nature, individual freedom,
refusal of social bounds, and was a doctrine professed by
those who “retreated in mountains”.
 LEGALISM- advocated a strict interpretation of
the law in every aspect. Morality was not important,
adherence to the letter of the law was paramount.
  BUDDHISM- the system of their beliefs is based
on the teaching of Buddha. They are non-theistic religion,
one whose tenets are not especially concerned with the
existence or nonexistence of a God or Gods.
Buddhist soteriology according to four noble truths:
1. Dukkha- all worldly life is unsatisfactory,
disjointed, containing suffering.
2. Samudaya- there is cause of suffering, which is
attachment or desire (tanha) rooted in ignorance.
3. Nirodha- there is an end of suffering (nirvana).
4. Marga- there is a path that leads out of suffering.
Most Buddhist believes in karma, a cause and effect
relationship between all that has been done and all that will be done.
 MAOISM- seeking truth from facts.
 SHINTO- believes that spirits called kami inhabit
all things.

Some fascinating beliefs/lessons to make us wiser and win in

every situation of life:

Confucius:
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, do not
adjust the goals, adjust the action steps”.
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every
time we fall”.
“Five things that constitute perfect virtue: gravity,
magnanimity, earnestness, sincerity, kindness”.
“When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal
as if it were for yourself”.

Buddha:
“Three things cannot be hidden: the sun, the moon and the
truth”.
“You will not be punished for your angry; you will be punished
by your anger”.
“Physical charms attract the eyes, goodness attracts the
mind”.
“When you like a flower, you just pluck it. But when you love a
flower, you water it daily”.

Unknown source:
“Always wear your smile, because your smile is a reason for
many others to smile”.
“Don’t give up, the beginning is always the hardest one”.