Understanding the Self: Eastern and Western Thoughts

Study Notes

Hinduism

The primary goal of an individual in Hinduism is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Atman represents the true self or soul in Hinduism, emphasizing the inner essence that is eternal and unchanging.

Cycle of Rebirth

The concept explaining the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism is called samsara, which is the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth influenced by karma.

Buddhism

The root word of Buddhism is 'budh', meaning "to awaken" or "to know," highlighting the importance of enlightenment.
The ideal state of being in Buddhism is nirvana, characterized by the cessation of suffering and liberation from the cycle of samsara.
The fundamental concept of the self in Buddhism is anatta, meaning "not self," which teaches the absence of a permanent, unchanging self.

Thought Differences

The central difference between Western and Eastern thought lies in the perspective on the self; Western thought often emphasizes individuality, while Eastern thought focuses on interconnectedness and the collective.

Confucianism

The most important aspect of self-cultivation in Confucianism is ren, or humaneness, which pertains to compassion and moral integrity in relationships.

Taoism

In Taoism, the relationship between the self and the cosmos is seen as harmonious and intertwined, emphasizing unity with nature and the universe.

Eastern Thought

The view of the universe in Eastern thought is characterized by a belief in interconnectedness, where all beings and elements of nature are related and influence each other.

Buddhist Concepts

The significance of the concept of anicca in Buddhism refers to impermanence, which underscores the transient nature of all phenomena and the importance of recognizing change to alleviate attachment.
Being awake in the context of the self and the world revolves around heightened awareness and understanding of one's true nature and reality, leading to liberation from illusion.

Description

Explore the different models and approaches to understanding the self in Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Learn about the key concepts, notable philosophers, and belief systems that shape our understanding of self. Compare and contrast the perspectives of Socrates, Plato, and Descartes with those of Lao Tzu, Confucius, and Siddharta Gautama.