Eastern Philosophy

Philosophy has a vast variety of different methods that are used in the study from human existence to problems within the social atmosphere that can be ended, or so they claim. Some philosophers may say there is a God and others may say that God is dead so there is no rational order. This would seem to mean that God did exist but no longer does. When reasoning out the question of existence the philosophies of western culture reflect theories outside of religion as well; however when concerning religions unlike western philosophy eastern philosophy embraces religions other than Christianity. The philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Islamic philosophy, and other influential sentient types of human thought and practice are encompassed in eastern philosophy.

In this form of philosophical viewpoints Buddhism practices ascetic behaviors with strict self-discipline which directly relates to the four noble truths. Buddhist believes that suffering in life can best be addressed in thought, view and action by indentifying causes for human suffering. In enlightening themselves with positive methods Buddhist hope to gain knowledge toward the realization that suffering can end.

There was a person, a prince to be exact, who was known as Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama was born in the sixth century B.C. in what is now known as Nepal. One philosophy attributed to Buddha simply states that; if an individual seeks true liberation then it must be accomplished by living a balanced life with an avoidance of extremism. He titled this wisdom The Middle Way. Buddha, also through the teachings of The Dharma, preached enlightenment to what he called sentient or mindful people. The thought processes and wisdom in the study of Buddha and Buddhism are agreeably easy to understand and worthwhile.

The differences within the various types of philosophical viewpoints are in the interpretations given them by individuals like the Buddha. In eastern philosophy and the practice of Taoism, Lao Tzu had his own methods in philosophy that hold similarities taught in Buddhism as Moore (2005) states in The Power of Ideas, "The very essence of his method lies in not requiting injury with injury, a practice that leads only into the endless cycle of revenge. He responds to injury with kindness. He remains faithful even to the unfaithful. In this way, he gradually and effortlessly turns people from that lower nature that tends to dominate in times of war and strife, away from aggressive ambition to thoughtfulness and the search for modest goals."

Buddha seems to hold similar values expressing the belief that through self-discipline the world can cease to suffer. Modesty and an avoidance of extremism seem to be suggested in both teachings as a course of action toward solution. The philosophy of Lao Tzu found throughout the teachings of Taoism are enlightening and thought provoking in word. Philosophies practiced in the world of today like Lao Tzu's advice to virtuous people, "No calamity greater than to be dissatisfied with ones own lot", would be agreed upon as truth by Buddhist as well.

Moore (2005) p. 506.

According to Brainy Quotes.com Buddha said, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." Lao Tzu would be in likely agreement with this anecdote.

The two different philosophers representing two different practices or religions are to help enlighten with the reasoning why Lao Tzu is the favorite. The philosophies of Lao Tzu tell the tale of the mind and individuality. They speak of the freedom to choose and the right to have a choice. The philosophy of Buddhism also teaches that there is a right way to do things in life and the existence of life. If individuals view, aim, speak and take action then the goal to bring an end to suffering can be accomplished. Lao Tzu states that, "It is the way of Heaven to take from those who have too much and give to those who have too little. But the way of man is not so. He takes away from those who have too little, to add to his own superabundance." Moore (2005) p. 504.

This type of statement seems to indicate that Lao Tzu was not necessarily optimistic about an end to suffering understanding that humanity is responsible for the continuance of suffering. He may correct me stating that the statement in another context or between the lines is saying that there is a possibility for change; the idea is simply unrealistic that goodness will occur within all humanity. The inclination to agree would be slightly overwhelming.

Lao Tzu through the teachings of Taoism paints a clearer picture of the world. Buddhism philosophical is symbolic of a truly nice dream rather than a crystal clear reality. There is no one on the planet earth that will ever completely understand the problems in the world let alone how to fix them. Many of them in all aspects of philosophy have ideas, theories, and wisdom that

can be carried away with a person hearing the words. Lao Tzu stated four terms of enlightenment that speak well for the ideas of the individual and the practice he represents.

1. Good words shall gain you honor in the marketplace, but good deeds shall gain you friends among men.
2. There is no guilt greater than to sanction unbridled ambition.
3. No fault greater than to wish continually of receiving.
4. The superior man hoards nothing. The more he uses for the benefit of others, the more he possesses himself. The more he gives to his fellow men, the more he has of his own. Moore (2005) p. 507.

REFERENCES

Moore-Bruder (2005), Philosophy: The Power of Ideas, Chapter 15, Eastern Influences

Lao Tzu on Virtuous Activity, p. 506, © The McGraw−Hill Companies, 2005

Retrieved February 8, 2009, from Axia College Course Materials

Brainy Quote.com (2009), Author Quote Search:Buddha

Retrieved March 8, 2009, from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/buddha118672.html

Moore-Bruder (2005), Philosophy: The Power of Ideas, Chapter 15, Eastern Influences

Lao Tzu on Government, p. 507, © The McGraw−Hill Companies, 2005

Retrieved February 8, 2009, from Axia College Course Materials.

Mike Pinkerton (2009)

Axia College

ripdiction@gmail.com