Overview of Eastern Philosophy

Study Notes

Eastern philosophy originates from Asia, heavily influenced by cultures in India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
It presents a diverse approach to topics such as existence, ethics, and self, contrasting significantly with Western philosophies.

Focus on interconnectedness rather than individualism traditionally found in Western thought.
Emphasizes the integration of individuals within larger wholes: society, nature, and the cosmos.

Comprises six orthodox schools (acknowledging Vedic authority) and several heterodox schools (not adhering to Vedas).

A major aspect of Indian philosophy with multiple streams, including Vedanta, Yoga, and Samkhya.
Central to Hindu thought is the relationship between the individual self (atman) and the universal reality (Brahman).
Realizing the unity of atman and Brahman is key to achieving liberation (moksha) from the cycle of reincarnation.

Represents the ultimate, eternal reality; formless, limitless, and the source of all existence.
Saguna Brahman: Brahman with attributes, perceived in personal forms (e.g., deities like Vishnu, Shiva).
Nirguna Brahman: Brahman without attributes, an abstract essence beyond human understanding.

Refers to the eternal and indestructible individual soul; fundamentally, atman and Brahman are identical.
The spiritual aim of Hinduism is realizing the unity between atman and Brahman for liberation (moksha).
Achieving moksha releases the soul from the limitations of physical and mental existence.

Samsara: The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth influenced by one's actions.
Karma: The law of cause and effect governing the qualities of future lives based on previous actions.
Reincarnation persists until the soul attains moksha, ending the cycle of samsara.

Karma: Every action generates consequences affecting future lives; good deeds lead to beneficial outcomes while bad actions result in suffering.
Moksha: The ultimate aim, symbolizing liberation from samsara, characterized by eternal bliss and unity with Brahman. Achieved through knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), or selfless action (karma yoga).

Dharma: Represents righteousness and moral duty, emphasizing ethical living and fulfilling societal roles.
Artha: Focuses on material prosperity and success, asserting that wealth must be pursued ethically alongside dharma.
Kama: Centers on the pursuit of pleasure and emotional fulfillment, including enjoyment of arts and relationships, while remaining within dharma.
Moksha: Spiritual liberation from the cycle of rebirth, signifying the highest aspiration in Hindu life.

Brahma: The creator god, responsible for the universe's inception, though less widely worshiped compared to Vishnu and Shiva.
Vishnu: The preserver and maintainer of cosmic order, known for his avatars such as Rama and Krishna, who reincarnate to restore balance.
Shiva: The destroyer and transformer, representing the cycle of destruction and creation, often viewed as a supreme deity by many devotees.

Shruti: Divine revelations comprising the Vedas (the oldest sacred texts) and Upanishads (philosophical inquiries into reality and the self).
Smriti: Human-composed texts, including epics like the Mahabharata (home to the Bhagavad Gita) and Ramayana, focusing on moral principles and cosmic battles between good and evil.

Vishnu: Central to worship as a benevolent deity appearing in various incarnations; followers are known as Vaishnavas, dedicated to preserving dharma and humanity's well-being.