eastern-and-western-self.pdf

THE SELF IN WESTERN & EASTERN THOUGHTS  Western world consists of Eastern world comprises of countries which are nations in Asian geographically located in Europe and North America. The perceived dichotomy between the East and the West is not only geograph...

THE SELF IN WESTERN & EASTERN THOUGHTS  Western world consists of Eastern world comprises of countries which are nations in Asian geographically located in Europe and North America. The perceived dichotomy between the East and the West is not only geographical but more of cultural as it encompasses differences in terms of beliefs and modes of thinking, values and ways of life. John doe: Juan dela Cruz “I am John Doe, a clever “I am Juan Dela Cruz, a full- basketball player and trainor. I blooded Ilocano. I am the used to live in Toronto but I youngest in a brood of five; I also moved in here for new love playing basketball and an experiences. Aside from I enjoy avid fan of Toronto Raptors”. dancing, I also find fulfilment in basketball coaching. In fact, I am one of the most amateur coaches in basketball in our village”.  INDIVIDUALISTIC VERSUS COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS INDIVIDUALIST/WESTERN COLLECTIVIST/EASTERN = views the self as one that is =all things are seen as independent from others; it interdependent and inseparable parts is a separate, autonomous, and parcels of the larger social world. and distinct entity. =the awareness on unity and mutual =individualists when asked to interrelation of all things and events in talk about themselves would life. prefer to express their unique inner attributes, =ascribe meaning to their personhood abilities, personal by emphasizing their social roles, preferences and group memberships or personal achievements. relations to their significant others.  INDIVIDUALISTIC VERSUS COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS INDIVIDUALIST/WESTERN COLLECTIVIST/EASTERN = The individualistic thought = recognize that their identity and self- recognizes individual esteem are wrapped up in their group differences; =value promoting group harmony and =it tends to prize autonomy cohesion, belonging and fitting-in. over collective wisdom and effort where the individual is a regarded =relationships with others in specific a self-made whose success and contexts is the primordial happiness do not necessarily consideration in defining the self. depend on others, not even to the society in general. Western (Greek and Judeo-Christian Eastern (Classical Indian and Chinese Traditions) Philosophies) Individualism/Fragmentary/Dual Collectivism/Wholistic: A human istic: A human being has an being is an integral part of the individualistic nature and is an universe and the society. People independent part of the are fundamentally connected. all universe and the society. More events in the universe are focused on the individual events interconnected (Systematic and the role of the person. Approach). Emphasis is on the Emphasis is on the “I”. “WE”.  Western (Greek and Judeo-Christian Eastern (Classical Indian and Chinese Traditions) Philosophies) Outer-world dependent: Inner-world dependent: Searching outside yourself – Searching inside yourself – through research and analysis through meditation and right living Science/evidence-based culture: Evidence is meaningless; truth is What can be proven/measured given and does not have to be is deemed the truth proven Western (Greek and Judeo-Christian Eastern (Classical Indian and Chinese Traditions) Philosophies) Man is an element of the Divine Man is a part of the cosmic unity Life is a service (to God, money, Life is a journey towards eternal business, etc.) realities outside the world The journey of mankind is linear; The journey of mankind is cyclical: everything has its beginning and perception of eternal recurrence end. (life after death, reincarnation) Action is not necessarily a The action is the extension of the translation of the mind. mind. Western (Greek and Judeo-Christian Eastern (Classical Indian and Chinese Traditions) Philosophies) The concept of “Me”: the true Me- to be discovered by liberating “me” is a part of the Divine that from the false “me” – attachment need not become apparent: it is to the material thing given, does not have to be cognizable Our understanding of the Filipino as a self must be based on the concepts of PAGKATAO and LOOB. Pagkatao or humanities indicates the fact that a Filipino is a human being just like anyone else. The concept of loob is exemplified by Filipino holistic worldview and interiority (human heartedness) (Mercado, 1974). With this nondualistic worldview, the self is seen as a body- soul embodiment. Life is not seen as compartmentalized, the present is the continuation of the past, and this continuity moves in a cyclic manner that has no beginning and no end (Gulong ng Palad). A Filipino does not distinguish the subject from the object, the person from feelings. Harmonious relationship is of prime importance; this is maintained by the value of sensitivity. Interiority pertains to love, mercy, charity, elemency, and leniency. This human heartedness is mirrored in the Filipino concepts of kagandahang-loob, kabutihangloob, kalooban, which somehow depict our interdependency with others. They slow the social dimension of the self, sharing of the self with others in values of pakikisama, camaraderie, hospitality, utang-na-loob, bayanihan spirit, family-centeredness, meal-centeredness, etc. The self, therefore, is a relational being, who thinks, acts, behaves, and decides always in accordance with his being with others. Construction of the Self in the Western Perspective The Western worldview underscores the importance of the parts rather than the whole. It suggests a fragmentary approach in understanding phenomena as it does not subscribe to a holistic view of reality. As such, all aspects of life are explored and analyzed not as whole but as separate parts. Even the self is purported to be investigated and viewed as a highly compartmentalized entity. The Western Thought maintains the individual as a separate, self-contained individual, whose sense of self-worth is focused on internal attributes (ability, intelligence, personality, goals, preferences, rights) Since the West values individuality and freedom, the self as an independent individual is given preference over the others. It does not however discredit the role of environment and society in the development of the self but its focus is always looking toward the self. Hinduism Buddhism Confucianism Taoism Who is the self? The self is The doctrine of non-self or annata The self is a moral and social being. As a philosophy, Taoism advocates Atman, and Atman is the dictates that the self is subject to the Confucius was essentially concerned with what is natural and spontaneous, innermost essence of the self law of changes. Everything, including what made a good life. Good life depends on simple, and necessary. Taoism whose destiny is to be the self, is always in constant change: order, and order depends on good and just derived its name from its central Brahma in Nirvana. born, grows, and dies. The self is government. If a ruler lives and governs idea, Tao or the Way of nature. Attachment of the self to the composed of five aggregates: natter, virtuously, virtuous people would obey him. Taoism, just like Confucianism material world sensation, perception, mental Virtue consists of correct behavior, such as aimed at humanity’s oneness with (maya/illusion) leads to construct, and consciousness. Each benevolence, righteousness, propriety, nature. But Taoism contradicted suffering (samsara). aggregate is transitory in nature. That wisdom, and loyalty. These virtues must Confucianism as regards to how Reincarnation of the self is a is why there is no such thing as guide human relations, namely, (a) between oneness shall be achieved. Taoism form of suffering because the permanent self. Buddhism discards ruler and people; (b) between parents and considers the self as merely one of self keeps coming back to the the existence of the self. The idea of children; (c) between husband and wife; (d) the many elements of the natural material-world thinking that it the self is illusory. This false belief between elder brother and younger brother; world. Tao is an indescribable force is its real destiny. The self has yields harmful thoughts of selfish and (e) between friends and friend. A true that govern natures. The self must to liberate itself from this desire, “me-and-mine” mentality, self is a noble man possesses all the virtues, bring himself in harmony with Tao ignorance by cultivating an craving, attachment, ill-will, hatred, and this noble man is called the man of JEN. by practicing the three great virtues: authentic knowledge (self- conceit, pride, egoism, and any other The self is a dot in the universe and being a humility, frugality and contentment. realization) that the self has is defilements and social problems. It is part of nature, the self must live in The self should not strive for NOT MAYA but ATMAN. the source of all troubles in societies. accordance with the law of nature that rules learning, riches, and power; the self When the self has been The goal of the self is to attain and directs the movements of all things. The should find last thing happiness by thoroughly cleansed from its enlightenment by freeing oneself highest achievement of every human being is being, quiet, thoughtful, and humble. illusions, the self is filled with from ignorance that causes suffering. being a wise person. As a wise person, his In other word to be able to the sense of well-being, and at To eliminate ignorance and attain highest achievement is affinity with the harmonize, the self must practice the death, its soul is liberated enlightenment, the self should: universe. The happiness of the self is found WU-WIE or the non-interference from endless rebirths 1. Know the four noble truths that in the self’s conformity with nature. with the natural courses of events. (reincarnation) and join the there is suffering in this world; the Confucius advocated the active role of man Most of the problems in the world is universal spirit Brahma and cause of suffering is craving for self- in relation to creating oneness with nature. caused by the self’s active becomes one with Brahma. identity as if it is permanence; there is Since the self is the master of nature, his participation in creating harmony way out of this bondage of suffering. duty is to actively harmonize himself with with nature. Too much involvement 2. The way to get out of suffering is nature by translating the innate law of nature of the self in nature can lead to by practicing the eightfold path. into action. destruction. Confucianism