Eastern Philosophy
You got a taste of eastern philosophy? What is your immediate response to the ideas and values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism? Have you heard of arguments that China and East Asia have been developing so steadily because of Confuscian or Asian values. Do you think that there maybe a link between cultural values and economic and political development?
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I have a great respect for Eastern Philosophy. I have actually been reading up on Buddhism for a while now and find its practices and philosophies extremely helpful in living a full but modest life. I have a friend who attends seminars and I would be extremely interested in attending myself. I am a very open minded person in terms of cultural difference.
My immediate response to "the ideas and values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism" is that they are false religions (this is going to make me popular). As a Christian I only believe in one essential truth. I do not mean this to be offensive, people should be free to believe what they want. I may even share some of their "values", I esspecially like the idea of a "Middle Way" between religion and unbounded self indulgence. I also believe that the Biblical idea of reeping and sowing is similar to the idea of Kharma. The shared idea being that doing good will bless a person, while doing bad will come back to hurt a themselves. But though I may have similar "values" with a Bhuddist or Hindu, I reject the ideas of attaining Moksha or Nirvana. I am not trying to start a religious war, but those are my reactions.
No, I have never heard the "arguments that China and East Asia have developed so steadily because of Confucian or Asian values". It was actually my understanding that Confucian values hindered commerce because it was hostile towards trade. But I am by no means an expert in this subject.
Yes I very much believe there is a link between values and economic and political development. What people believe spititually affects everything they do (whether they know it of not).
Buddhism isnt a religion it is a way of life. So it is not a false religion, it is no religion at all. It is more or less a practice or series of practices.
I myself am open to many different ideas, conforming to no particular religion. I do not believe in strict adherence to any religion because I believe that while religion is very helpful spirtually to many people, it is a flashpoint of contention and should be kept a personal and not a public matter.
That is not to say that I condemn whose who are proud of their faith. I only condemn those who antagonize the faith of others.
Back to the point, though, I am very interested in Eastern Philosophy. In fact, I am interested in the spirituality of many cultures. I do not have a strong grasp of Hinduism besides terms and general ideas, but I find Buddhism very intriguing. The principles of the durkha (sp?) and the Five Precepts make more sense than any other philosophic or religious standards of living than I have ever heard of before. The durkha and the Precepts offer codes of living that all can live by without stepping on the toes of any particular relgion or faith. The principles of the durkha are inarguably true and few can argue against the ethical truths of the precepts.
My immediate response to the ideas and values that inform Hinduism is a religion and Buddhism is a way of life and not technically a religion. People follow Hinduism and Buddhism because it is a way of life for them. By following these paths, they will know how to live there lives.
I think I may have heard that China and East Asia are developing so steadily because of Asian values, but I can not say where I heard it or what it is about.
Yes, I strongly believe that there is a link between cultural values and economic and poltical development. I feel this way because in some cultures people don’t believe in having a actual leader run their country. Mostly they believe in there religion or there ways of life to lead them on the right path. Many cultures don’t use a lot or any technolgy. Instead they rely on themselves. They use what they were given and that is that. I noticed in the video today that people still use a animal pulled plow to till their fields and people get there own water and not have someone in a delievery truck bring it to them. In these countries where their cultural values are weighed very heavily, they are developing countries and their economic and poltical development doesn’t seem to be growing or doesn’t exist as one would see here in the United States.
I respect every religion equally because I have no authority to judge another person's belief system. Everyone has the right to their own thoughts. That's the totally awesome part about the diversity of the human species. For me personally, the Hindu and Buddhist ideas seem very radical and unique just because they are like nothing I have ever been exposed to before. I really enjoyed learning a little bit more about them. I know that, as far as my own practices go, Buddhism and Hinduism will never be religions that I will actually subscribe to and observe but I think that it's super nifty to learn more about them. Honestly, the video from today was pretty vague and confusing when it tried to explain the customs and beliefs of the religions because they were trying to simplify the religions into their base components for a broad overview and I feel like the two religions are Way too complex for that. I'd really like to become more educated about them to clarify my ambiguity. Buddhism especially peaked my interest just because I am used to Theist religions but I've never been exposed to a Transcendentalist way of thought.
I really haven't heard the argument that China and East Asia have been developing so steadily because of Confuscian or Asian values; however, I do think that there is a definite link between cultural values and economic and political development. I think that it's interesting that Buddhism arose partially as a response to the strict caste system encouraged by the Hindu religion. Buddhism spread quickly because it appealled to the common man since enlightenment can be attained by anyone (not just the rich). The sentiment of the masses affects how the leaders of these nations make political decisions. Just taking it from an American standpoint (since that is what I'm more familiar with), the "Protestant Work Ethic" is an integral part of who we have become as a nation (whether we are Protestant or not). We are one of the hardest working countries in the world and our value of hard work and dedication affect the way the whole nation develops economically and politically. Even though in America there is a separation of church and state, religious beliefs play a big part in many people's lives and there really is no separation.
After learning about Eastern philosophies, I noticed that the moral laws of Hinduism and Buddhism are very similar to the Ten Commandments. So I immediately wondered; why is there so much tension between the Eastern and Western world? All who believe in a higher being are trying to reach a higher form of spirituality by following similar moral laws. That in itself, should be enough to unite the Eastern and Western worlds, but unfortunately it hasn't been enough to this day.
The lives of people who believe in a higher being are dominated by their spiritual goals therefore, their politics and economies are shaped in a manner that suits their way of life, whether it be Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, etc.
When I learn about religions, I always try to find the common ground and relate to the religion. I don't think that Hinduism or Buddhism can be classified as just a religion or just a way of life, because religion dictates one's way of life.
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I think that if everyone were a Buddhist the world would be very much at peace. I am attracted to Buddhism, and always have been, for a few simple reasons. Unlike Western religions, such as Christianity or Judaism, Buddhists do not spend their life focusing on their post mortality. While many Christians spend their lives paying back their dues to their savior Jesus Christ, the life they live is drowned in a feeling of guilt from their original sin. Those practicing the Jewish faith, although not believers in original sin, still spend their lives being good people for the sake of their Lord. Similarly, Hindu practice, from what I have gathered, understands that there is a community between their lord and everything in the living world. By nurturing themselves and the world they own, like taking care of one’s own body, they care for their Lord as they are part of Him. Buddhism, though, breaks off from the trend to create a “Middle Way”. Anyone can be a Buddhist, and that is what I find most appealing. Even the poorest child can practice Buddhism and find peace in himself and fulfillment in his life. In Buddhist practice, the human is energy, just as the table at which he sits. For this reason everything has effects. Positive energy yields positive feedback and vise versa. So be nice to people, be respectful. I also appreciate the Buddhism because it is a very realistic approach. Instead of hiding the pains of the world we live in behind inanimate objects or the idea of an Armageddon being upon us, Buddhists spend their time understanding that this is how the world is. According to the Durka, Life is frustrating and painful. Many times, as humans developing in a society where bigger, faster, stronger, and more powerful is considered “better”, we tend to expect that things should go a certain way in our little materialistic society. We should be a peaceful society, we criticize. There must be meaning to life in death. When our expectations are not met, we suffer. By accepting the fact that we as humans are mortal, and by recognizing our human nature, we can learn to accept the reality of the world we live in instead of masking it. Our suffering is ended when we want it to be ended. It’s funny because being that I do not believe in a Hell, I often get criticized here and there. My idea though is that according to Buddhist practice, I could be in Hell and be perfectly in my element. When there is no expectation of release, the only thing you can do is accept your current situation and focus on the energies around you. You become a physical part of the situation.
My initial response to the ideas and values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism, is that both are a religion and a philosophy of life (as are most religions). Religion here means, a set of practices, beliefs, and values based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. For the Hindus that spiritual guide is called Brahman and for the Buddhists it’s the Buddha. Furthermore, both can be considered a philosophy of life, since the two dictate how one should live their life to acquire the utmost gratification, awareness, and well-being.
To be quite honest, I have not “heard of arguments that China and East Asia have been developing so steadily because of Confucian or Asian values.” It was my believe that these philosophies were actually causing the Asian world to maintain its unprogressive or slow approach towards political and economic development. I feel there is a direct connection between a society’s cultural values and the political/economic development that will take place. Societies such as the Hindus and the Buddhists center around the notion of a calm and peaceful state of mind and being, which cause any type of development to occur at a very slow rate. These societies, due to their belief system, are not focused on economic growth. Rather, one’s lifelong fulfillment of striving to achieve enlightenment (Buddhism) or Moksha (Hinduism) is put at the forefront of their life.
noah- just to clarify, the Buddhist "Buddha" means "enlightened one". A common misconception is that the Buddha is a type of god-figure (much like the Brhaman). Anyone can become a Buddha. Ironically, Once a Buddha, one is no longer a Buddhist, or seekeing enlightenment :)
My immediate response to the ideas and values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism is that the religions are very interesting and different then must religion, but they are still religions. Yes Hindus and Buddhist follow a path that effects there actions and the way they live there life, but so do Christians. Every religion effects the way people live there life and the actions they chose to do. For example in Christianity you are not suppose to have sex until you get married therefore that effects the way Christians live their lives. Every religion sets down guidelines that you are supposed to follow to reach the end of that religion’s path.
Yes I have heard the arguments that China and East Asia have been developing so steadily because of Confucian or Asian values. I heard this in my Chinese history class. Confucius believed that the family is the must important part of a society and everything a person does should start with the family and then go outward into society. Therefore I could see why China and East Asia have been developing so steadily.
Yes I think there is a link between cultural values and economic and political development because people’s values guide their decisions. For example if a society believes that reaching enlightenment is the must important part of life then the country’s economic and political issues are not going to be the main issue.
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Thank you Frances for your comment. I should have been more specific when I mentioned that the Buddhists spiritual leader (not necessarily alluding to a godlike-figure) was the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. I realize that anyone has the potential to become the Buddha. However, Buddhists follow his (Siddartha Gautama, Gautama Buddha, “the awakened one,” or commonly known as the Buddha) teachings passed down from him through the Sangha, which “is responsible for maintaining, translating, advancing, and spreading the teachings of the Buddha.”* In addition, this group of Buddhist monks and nuns (the Sangha) was established by the Buddha himself after he achieved Nirvana. His teachings include: The Four Noble Truths, The Eightfold Path, The law of dependent causation, just to name a few. In my definition of religion, a set of practices, beliefs, and values based on the teachings of a spiritual leader, Siddartha Gautama can be considered Buddhist’s spiritual leader.
*cited from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha
My initial take on Eastern Philosophy was just how different it is from our Western ideals. I dislike and am not empathic about our Westernized culture and all of its cut-throat tendencies. The Eastern ideals are more self focused at the forefront. But, once the self is known and understood, then the self becomes communitarian and helps others in the world find themselves. In the West, we do not focus on either of these two issues, but rely on money and power to shape our lives. The communal ties that lie at the heart of Hinduism and Buddhism are linked to the political sphere, but are not entirely its basis. The people at the top have to take care of the people at the top before they can take care of the people at the bottom, as is the case in every place where there is money to be made. The NIC's and NEC's during the last part of the 20th century are responsible for most of the recent economic development. It is a hope of the people of these cultures that the Eastern ideals guide the politics of their countries, but only time will tell if such proves true.
My initial take on Eastern Philosophy was just how different it is from our Western ideals. I dislike and am not empathic about our Westernized culture and all of its cut-throat tendencies. The Eastern ideals are more self focused at the forefront. But, once the self is known and understood, then the self becomes communitarian and helps others in the world find themselves. In the West, we do not focus on either of these two issues, but rely on money and power to shape our lives. The communal ties that lie at the heart of Hinduism and Buddhism are linked to the political sphere, but are not entirely its basis. The people at the top have to take care of the people at the top before they can take care of the people at the bottom, as is the case in every place where there is money to be made. The NIC's and NEC's during the last part of the 20th century are responsible for most of the recent economic development. It is a hope of the people of these cultures that the Eastern ideals guide the politics of their countries, but only time will tell if such proves true.
I have always been intrigued by eastern philosophy. Both Hinduism and Buddhism stress the power of self. Hindu's ultimate goal is Morksha (sp?), or liberation, true knowledge of one’s self will ultimately lead to liberation. Buddhism is a way of life that emphasizes self awareness. The Buddha says that actions have consequences; an action will have an effect either on our minds or the outside world. This produces positive emotions that lead to spiritually awareness. The five precepts of Buddhism correspond with the religious standards of most other religions. Both Hinduism and Buddhism find a positive connection between self and the world. In Hinduism both the world and people are the body of God. The practice of Buddhism gives spiritual awareness to every object in the world.
I have not directly heard of the arguments that China and East Asia have been developing so steadily because of Confuscian or Asian values. But, I do strongly believe that there is a connection between cultural values and economic and political development. Take the East Asian countries for example, where religion is weighed more heavily. More time is spent on religious practices than development. Religion affects the everyday for those who live in these East Asian countries. Loyalty to the country is first priority. Many of these East Asian countries follow the confusciest belief of Filiel piety. Over time this concept has been changed from respecting thy elder to respecting thy corporation and leader. Competition does not fit into this way of living. Western society embraces competition. Instead of spiritual prosperity, Western ideals encourage personal prosperity.
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My immediate response to the ideas and values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism is how there core beliefs are not so far off from that of my own religion, Christianity. For example, in Hinduism as well as Christianity, the higher power can take living form. One point of interest in the video for me was when they spoke about the Yoga-Sutra, and how although it has a deep spiritual meaning behind it's practice, unfortunately only mostly the physical side has carried over to Western countries. As someone who does yoga, learning the spiritual aspect serves an interest of mine. As for Buddhism, when the video mentioned that Buddha is not human nor God, it left me wondering what exactly Buddha was. I am not too familiar with Hinduism or Buddhism but I am also not one to judge others' beliefs and I feel strongly that we one can learn about and respect the values of another's religion while still staying true to one's own faith.
I have not heard of arguments that China and East Asia have been developing steadily because of Confuscian or Asian values.
I definitely think there is a close tie with regards to a nations cultural values and their economic and political development. When countries value certain things and believe in a set of values, that not only governs their persoanl way of life but also impresses upon their goals as a nation. Here in the U.S. we covet monetary value as opposed to other lands that live more modestly. This in turn reflects on our economy and the state of our political affairs.
Josborn,
I am a Christian, one of the virtues of Christianity and other "mainstream" religions (the religions that we are all familiar with) are to accept those that are different, in this case, I am specifically referring to the religion that one follows. The idea of "one essential truth" as you put it, sounds to me as a misinterpretation of Christian teaching, possibly from analyzing biblical text too narrowly. The Bible is a book of faith, not a book of fact, the Christian religion is meant to allow the follower to gain insight on how and why to live a better life. The way I see it, all these so called "false religions" serve the same purpose. In essence I feel that followers of Christianity and "false religions" are much more similar than you would like to admit.
I have always been interested in Eastern Philosophy, as it has always made much more sense to me then Western Religions. Buddhism in particular I have always really liked, because it seems to me a better approach to dealing with the world, and I really appreciate its views on peace and respect for all life, and the idea of the Middle Way, because I beleive in gernal that any sort of extremism is never a good way to think or live.
I find Hinuism interesting as well, particulalrly the beliefs of Brahman, and I like the idea that it is outside of and inside of everyone equally.
I also find it interesting that both relgions focus on detaching one self from the physical world as the only way too spiritual freedom. I like the idea, but it seems all too out of reach for me, whether being a westerner or someone who does not focus much on religions.
I do believe there is a large link between cultural values and political and economic development. As much as I may respect certain ideas, there's needs to be enough leniency for development, because as much as it may be a cause for arrgivation and desctruction of natural resources and years of cultural aspects, if a country does not advance it will not be able to support its people. What needs to be done is to incorporate cultural values into development, in a way that can allow for progress but not destroy sacred things in the process.
The ideas and values that help to form Hinduism and Buddhism were incredibly interesting to me. It seems to be very balanced, and I liked that there was such an emphasis on the actions of your life effecting the life of those around you and your possible future lives. It seems to me that there is less judgement in these religions than in the Catholic religion that I was raised in. I feel that the way of life practiced in Hinduism and Buddhism allows more freedom and positivity than in other religions.
I have not heard that China and East Asia have developed so rapidly due to the Asian Values of that region. It was mentioned in the video that Buddhists do not believe in race or class barriers, and so I imagine that the beliefs of this region do have a great effect on growth. The lack of barriers and the devotion to nation are positive catalysts to growth.
My immediate response to the ideas and values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism are that they are very interesting religions. I was never raised in a religion and honestly have close to no clue about christianity, let alone the confuscian or asian values. I was very intrigued by the film as having never learned anything about Hinduism or Buddahism before. These ways of life are so involved and makes me question my own doings and how I should really think more of my own actions.
I have no heard of the arguments that China and East Asia have been developing so steadily because of Confusican or Asian values. That is very interesting to think thought that there may be a link between cultural values and economic and political development. It makes sense, since for example take Hinduism every action is well thought out and would definately affect the political and economic development. I am really hoping to learn alot from this course, and it has already opened my eyes to new things and new ideas.
The values that inform Hinduism and Buddhism may at first seem completely foreign to many in the west who have never been properly introduced to Eastern Philosophy. Negative stereotypes are perpetuated by movies or other programs that portray the superficial aspects, such as the dress or rituals of followers of these philosophies, that usually are more based on local culture than their religios/philosophical beliefs. Ultimately, there are many similarities and unifying principles that underly most great and broad reaching religions. These include, but are not limited to: peace, selflessness and devotion to others. Lessons people of all or no faith should appreciate.
I have heard arguements that China and East Asia have been developing steadily because of Confuscian or Asian values. I do not necessarily agree with this theory because looking at both China and India, it is evident in hindsight that they were both going to develop rapidly. China and India contain the first and second most amount of human capital in the entire world, respectively. Both nations are extremely large and abundant in natural resources. Without these and other materially important factors, even the most economically efficient values of the workers could not have produced the same results. Another contradicting factor is the communist government of China. Ther severly repressive regime stifles free thought and independence of the individual. The horrible history of the Chinese Communist party is an extremely dark hole in what is otherwise a brilliant cultural heritage. The economic potential is being exploited by a government devoid of moral and ethical standards. Additionally, both China and India are still in the heart of their modernizing progress. Once the changes of moderization fully reaches the citizens of both nations, they will begin to realize the various inherent contradictions concerning capitilism and Eastern Philosophy. For one, success in capitilism is based on personal ambition, a concept alien to pure Eastern Philosophy - specifically Hinduism and Buddhism.
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