Scribd
Upload
6 views3 pages

UTS LESSON 3 CONCEPTS OF SELF

The document explores the concept of self in Eastern philosophy, contrasting it with Western individualism. It discusses various Eastern traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism, highlighting their views on the self as interconnected with the universe and community. Key teachings from these philosophies emphasize the impermanence of self, the importance of virtues, and the pursuit of harmony and enlightenment.

Uploaded by

Anne Muniche
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
6 views3 pages

UTS LESSON 3 CONCEPTS OF SELF

The document explores the concept of self in Eastern philosophy, contrasting it with Western individualism. It discusses various Eastern traditions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism, highlighting their views on the self as interconnected with the universe and community. Key teachings from these philosophies emphasize the impermanence of self, the importance of virtues, and the pursuit of harmony and enlightenment.

Uploaded by

Anne Muniche
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

UTS LESSON 3 CONCEPTS OF SELF: THE EASTERN PHILOSOPHY

Varied cultural orientations have developed ideas towards a better understanding of the
complexities of the self. There is continuous quest to find explanations as to the real nature
being human and the self for attainment of enlightenment.

While Western Philosophy focuses on ‘individualistic’ nature Eastern thoughts centralized


collective existence and always for the benefit of larger community

Civilizations from Sumerian, Babylonian and Hebrew consider as a mere extension of his creator
such in the Western civilization, where man is considered as an artifact of the Gods.

It is different from Eastern conception where man is in unity with God.

In the East, idea of the self is indeed one to complete unity with the creator-Man is God, acted
out in a multitude of different ways, as an actor plays a part of drama.

In the West, it is clear that idea of the self is perceived as a distinct from God-the pot is distinct
from the potter, with man as the artifact of creation.

Within all mythology, there are certain reoccurring archetypes and ideas that speak to all
university of human experiences. However, what can be fundamentally different form
mythologies, as I have just shown, is the role of man and his relation with the cosmos at large.

Not only understanding these differences useful in analyzing the writings of mythology, but also
in understanding the various conceptions and images of the self currently held by individuals
around the world, and their implication for how people behave and act on a grand scale.

Eastern Philosophy
BUDDHISM

Siddharta Gautama Buddha - developed a doctrine called Anatta, defined as ‘no-self’ of the
principle that “nothing is permanent and that no one is independententity as we are all a part
of a collective whole”

Buddha explained that:


• Thereis no unchanging self.
• The reality of Dukkha of suffering and Anicca or impermanence is the truth about
existence.

Annatā doctrine- states the there is anything called a ‘self’ as belief in this leads to Dukkha
which course is mere suffering and pain
Buddhism believed that every human has a mind and body as well as a stream of consciousness.

Buddhist’s Principle as the expression of Five (5) components called the ‘skandas’ which make
up a person. These are:

1. Form which compromises the body and the sense organs;


2. Sensations which are the processes created by the sense in contact with the external
environment;
3. Perception which is recognition of objects according to one’s senses;
4. Mental formations or our predispositions, tendencies, traits, habits; and
5. Consciousness which is awareness about a stimulus from the internal or external
environment.

HINDUISM

The ‘self’ in the Upanishads finds its place in “The Story of Creation,” pertaining to the creation
of the universe and of the man. The art begins where the ‘self’ was all alone in the person of
Purusha.

“Brahman” described as true nature of man which means ‘the self’

The main ideas of Hinduism involve:

1. The concept of God (Brahman. Which is the most supreme entity;


2. There is reincarnation where a soul passes through different physical bodies as it
destined to undergo what it is deserve in accordance with Karma;

TAOISM

As a doctrine based on the philosophy of Lao Tzu says that: ‘Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing
the self is enlightenment’

For Lao Tzu, the world and this life are good as there are the element guiding us to experience
harmony through the “Dao” Or the ‘Way’ (which is the path to happiness and harmony)

Tau Te Ching-Taoist’ Bible gives and explains processes on how to live a good life through the
‘Dao’

Lao Tzu teaches:

1. ‘Stillness to the mind’ and let go of all worries, confusions and just experience the world.
2. He pointed out that nature was never in a hurry that everything happened in perfect
time and its right schedule such as the blooming of flowers.
3. He said we need to “empty yourself of everything, let your mind become still” If we are
too busy, too preoccupied with anxiety or ambition, we will miss a thousand moments of
human experience that are our national inheritance. We need to be awake to the way of
light reflects off ripples on a pond, the way other people look when they are laughing ,
the feeling of the wind paying with your hair. This feeling reconnects us to parts of
ourselves.

Taoist’s principle reiterates how our ego distracts us in seeing out true self. There is a need to let
go to be self-determined, to be what you oughot to be.

Confucianism

Identifies personality as a product of one’s upbringing and environment. This shows that the
individual is a social being which makes us ‘social animals’

In this doctrine it is believed that every person is born with four beginnings which lead to the
formation of a ‘self’.

Components which are the perfection of virtues that is found innately in the heart of every
human:

1. Heart of compassion;
2. Heart of righteousness;
3. Heart of propriety; and
4. Heart of wisdom

The practice of the virtues leads to the formation of the self.

However, it should be understood that the role of the family and community plays a vital role in
the formation of the “Self”.

Confucius is very definite on the need for an individual to do something and never be idle as
this leads to the pursuit of the virtues.

There is need to exert effort to achieve the real nature of the ‘self’ in the argument of Confucius

You might also like