Eastern philosophies and religions all have one thing in common - in fact, it's the common thread among all religions: making sense of the world and our place in it.
Philosophy and religion offer us answers to the inexplicable, and a path towards answers or enlightenment, and happiness.
Meditation is often the vehicle we use to communicate with what ever power and spirituality we believed in.
One of the great truths among these philosophies, and our key to happiness, is acceptance.
Acceptance is the answer to all my problems of today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation - some fact of my life - unacceptable to me, and I can find no peace, serenity, or happiness until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.
Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake. Until I could accept this, I could not find true serenity; unless I accept life completely on life's terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.
I used to spend so much time and energy trying to change the things I could not change, it never once occurred to me to simply accept them as they were.
Now when things in my life are not going the way I planned them, or downright bad things happen, I can remind myself that whatever is going on is not happening by accident. There's a reason for it and it is not always meant for me to know what that reason is.
That change in attitude has been the key to happiness for me. I know I am not the only who has found that serenity.
And so today, when I meditate, I focus on Acceptance.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hinduism and the Purpose of Life
Hindu philosophy subscribes to the notion that we can seek what we want, that all paths can be legitimately pursued.
At the heart of Hinduism is this idea: What you want most, you can have. In fact, not only can you have them, in a sense, they are already yours.
(Consider Siddhartha's advice to Govinda, "Perhaps you seek too much.")
Is a person just a body? a personality? Hinduism says something more - an indestructible infinite center of being that never dies and is without limits.
The infinite center of every life is the hidden self. The Atman who is no less than Brahman, the Godhead. You are all three: body, personality, Atman-Brahman.
The present condition of your soul (confusion or serenity) is a product of your past decisions. You have made yourself what you are.
Every persons gets what that person deserves--even though decisions are freely arrived at, there is no chance in the universe. Karma is the middle way between determinism and indeterminacy.
But suppose you say you don't feel particularly infinite today--where is this? It is buried and it is the task of the following lectures to show how it can be uncovered.
In this life you can seek what you want. In order to achieve meaning and significance, there are four basic ways.
It is important to realize that all persons need go through all stages, and they will be left alone if they pursue and enjoy any one of the following paths.
At the heart of Hinduism is this idea: What you want most, you can have. In fact, not only can you have them, in a sense, they are already yours.
(Consider Siddhartha's advice to Govinda, "Perhaps you seek too much.")
Is a person just a body? a personality? Hinduism says something more - an indestructible infinite center of being that never dies and is without limits.
The infinite center of every life is the hidden self. The Atman who is no less than Brahman, the Godhead. You are all three: body, personality, Atman-Brahman.
The present condition of your soul (confusion or serenity) is a product of your past decisions. You have made yourself what you are.
Every persons gets what that person deserves--even though decisions are freely arrived at, there is no chance in the universe. Karma is the middle way between determinism and indeterminacy.
But suppose you say you don't feel particularly infinite today--where is this? It is buried and it is the task of the following lectures to show how it can be uncovered.
In this life you can seek what you want. In order to achieve meaning and significance, there are four basic ways.
It is important to realize that all persons need go through all stages, and they will be left alone if they pursue and enjoy any one of the following paths.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
he Main Concepts of Confucianism
Confucianism has two main concepts: the twin concepts of jen and li are often said to constitute the basis of Confucianism.
The first principle of Confucianism is to act according to jen: it is the ultimate guide to human action.
Jen is a sense for the dignity of human life--a feeling of humanity towards others and self-esteem for yourself.
There is the belief that jen can be obtained; indeed, there is the belief in the natural perfectibility of man. Hence, he rejects the way of human action where one satisfies likes and avoids dislikes.
Such feeling applies to all men--not just one nation or race. It is the foundation of all human relationships.
Confucius recognized that you need a well ordered society for wren to be expressed.
Two basic meanings to li: (1) concrete guide to human relationships or rules of proper action that genuinely embody jen and (2) general principle of social order or the general ordering of life.
Jen (wren): human heartedness; goodness; benevolence, man-to-man-ness; what makes man instinctively human (that which gives human beings their humanity).
The first principle of Confucianism is to act according to jen: it is the ultimate guide to human action.
Jen is a sense for the dignity of human life--a feeling of humanity towards others and self-esteem for yourself.
There is the belief that jen can be obtained; indeed, there is the belief in the natural perfectibility of man. Hence, he rejects the way of human action where one satisfies likes and avoids dislikes.
Such feeling applies to all men--not just one nation or race. It is the foundation of all human relationships.
Li (lee): principle of gain, benefit, order, propriety; concrete guide to human action.
Confucius recognized that you need a well ordered society for wren to be expressed.
Two basic meanings to li: (1) concrete guide to human relationships or rules of proper action that genuinely embody jen and (2) general principle of social order or the general ordering of life.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Eastern Philosophy and Oneness
| Eastern Philosophy offers much to the west even though there is a huge difference in the thoughts of both. Buddhism, Hinduism and Taoism are among the most influencing philosophies that come from the east, and are largely based on the concept of oneness. These philosophies provide remarkable alternates to the western concepts, which are mostly originated from Greek, Socrates and Plato. As Oneness being the belief and the most important principle of eastern philosophy, it always gives the message of GOD with different names. It basically tells that you are a unit of the sole power. Thought the general concepts remains the same but still there are numerous differences that are noticed within eastern philosophies. These differences not only prevail among people of different religions but also they exist among the people of same religion. Besides the unanimous concept of Oneness eastern philosophies also have the same idea about energy. Taoists, Hipies and Hindus call it Chi, vibrations and Chakras respectively. The basic idea is that energy is neutral and it exists in everything, which is a reflection of the western terminology that says “energy can neither be created nor destroyed” but it changes the form and its shape. Humans not perfect, as GOD is another common thought between east and west. Though there are few similar concepts found but as a whole the eastern philosophies have large differences and conflicts with the western ones. They hold the concept of Cosmic Oneness and hence the presence of “GOD” in eastern philosophies is taken as a whole. |
Monday, January 12, 2009
Confucius and Confucianism
Confucius (551-479 B.C.) sought to impose an integrated socio-ethical order in an attempt to secure the peace among warring states in China.
Confucius thought the foundation of social order is to be based on the jen or “human-heartedness” of the chün tzu or “superior man.” The path to jen, the highest virtue, is reached through the practice of li, the principles of social order. The ruler is an ideal man or superior man, a chün tzu, who governs by jen.
Confucius’ ideas gained influence through successive generations of his students and were finally adopted during the Han dynasty six centuries later.
Several talented and influential disciples adopted Confucius’ philosophy during his time, but apparently Confucius, himself, never obtained the opportunity to apply his cultural changes
from high office.
“There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute.”
Confucius thought the foundation of social order is to be based on the jen or “human-heartedness” of the chün tzu or “superior man.” The path to jen, the highest virtue, is reached through the practice of li, the principles of social order. The ruler is an ideal man or superior man, a chün tzu, who governs by jen.
Confucius’ ideas gained influence through successive generations of his students and were finally adopted during the Han dynasty six centuries later.
Several talented and influential disciples adopted Confucius’ philosophy during his time, but apparently Confucius, himself, never obtained the opportunity to apply his cultural changes
from high office.
“I know how it is that the path of the Mean is not understood:—The men of talents and virtue go beyond it, and the worthless do not come up to it.”
Friday, January 09, 2009
Buddhist Meditation: Buddha's Four Noble Truths
Bhuddist meditation, as you'll read below, is something that can be applied to our everyday lives to alleviate the stresses that we all feel.
Not long after his enlightenment, Buddha elucidated the "Four Noble Truths" in his first instruction to his disciples. Put simply, these truths go on to explain how:
(1) all who live suffer,
(2) suffering is a result of self,
(3) suffering can be avoided, and
(4) suffering can be extinguished by the "Eightfold Path."
In the teachings and discipline of Buddhism, as with much of Eastern philosophy, one can find both comfort, and put to rest questions that all of us have wrestled with for much of our lives.
Meditating on some of the teachings has enabled me to achieve a serenity and peace of mind that I value greatly. More than ever, in these times of financial uncertainty, terrorism, strife, civil and religious wars, peace of mind through meditation helps keep me sane.
Not long after his enlightenment, Buddha elucidated the "Four Noble Truths" in his first instruction to his disciples. Put simply, these truths go on to explain how:
(1) all who live suffer,
(2) suffering is a result of self,
(3) suffering can be avoided, and
(4) suffering can be extinguished by the "Eightfold Path."
"...and did the thought never come to you that also you are subject to death, that also you cannot escape it?""Thus has it been said by the Buddha, the Enlightened One: It is through not understanding, not realizing four things, that I, Disciples, as well as you, had to wander so long through this round of rebirths. And what are these four things? They are the Noble Truth of Suffering, the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering, the Noble Truth of the Extinction of Suffering, the Noble Truth of the Path that leads to the Extinction of Suffering."
In the teachings and discipline of Buddhism, as with much of Eastern philosophy, one can find both comfort, and put to rest questions that all of us have wrestled with for much of our lives.
Meditating on some of the teachings has enabled me to achieve a serenity and peace of mind that I value greatly. More than ever, in these times of financial uncertainty, terrorism, strife, civil and religious wars, peace of mind through meditation helps keep me sane.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Happy New Year from Eastern Philosophy and Meditation!
For those that follow the secular calendar, I'd like to wish you a Happy New Year from The Eastern Philosophy Blog and Eastern Philosophy And Meditation!
It's my sincere hope that whatever calendar you follow, the coming year will bring you peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
Writing about Eastern Philosophy has the great benefit of providing a wide range of perspectives. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Zen and Zazen, Confucius, Chinese religion - they all offer insight and lessons on finding meaning from life.
As William Blake said:
Eastern Philosophy and Meditation will help you to free yourself of mental noise, of disturbing and negative feeling and emotions and all limitations imposed by the false self.
In the coming months, I hope to expand the website and blog significantly. I will be actively soliciting guest writers & bloggers, and look to add voices to these pages.
If you are interested in contributing, please feel free to comment here on the blog and leave your email address.
It's my sincere hope that whatever calendar you follow, the coming year will bring you peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
Writing about Eastern Philosophy has the great benefit of providing a wide range of perspectives. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Zen and Zazen, Confucius, Chinese religion - they all offer insight and lessons on finding meaning from life.
As William Blake said:
To see the world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wild flower, to hold infinity in the palm of the hand, and eternity in an hour.
Eastern Philosophy and Meditation will help you to free yourself of mental noise, of disturbing and negative feeling and emotions and all limitations imposed by the false self.
In the coming months, I hope to expand the website and blog significantly. I will be actively soliciting guest writers & bloggers, and look to add voices to these pages.
If you are interested in contributing, please feel free to comment here on the blog and leave your email address.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Buddhist Philosophy
Buddhist philosophy, or Buddhism, or Buddhist philosophy is a set of religious beliefs that are based primarily on the teachings of Siddhartha Guatama. As one of the non-theistic religions, Buddhist tenets aren't terribly concerned with the question of whether a God or Gods exist. In fact, the Buddha himself specifically disavowed any kind of divine inspiration or status, saying rather that anyone, anywhere could achieve the same degree of insight as he himself had.
Though certain sects, such as that of Tibetan Buddhism, actually do worship Gods drawn from local indigenous beliefs, Buddhism in general doesn't concern itself with the question of God.
One of the chief concepts Buddhist sects believe in is karma, something akin to a cause-and-effect relationship between all that has been done and all that will be done.
Events that occur are thought to be the direct result of previous events. One resulting effect of karma is the idea of rebirth. At death, the karma from a given life determines the nature of the next life's existence. The ultimate goal of a Buddhist practitioner is to eliminate karma (both good and bad), end the cycle of rebirth and suffering, and attain Nirvana, usually translated as awakening or enlightenment.
You can read all about Bhuddism and Bhuddist philosophy on the Eastern Philosophy and Meditation website.
Though certain sects, such as that of Tibetan Buddhism, actually do worship Gods drawn from local indigenous beliefs, Buddhism in general doesn't concern itself with the question of God.
One of the chief concepts Buddhist sects believe in is karma, something akin to a cause-and-effect relationship between all that has been done and all that will be done.
Events that occur are thought to be the direct result of previous events. One resulting effect of karma is the idea of rebirth. At death, the karma from a given life determines the nature of the next life's existence. The ultimate goal of a Buddhist practitioner is to eliminate karma (both good and bad), end the cycle of rebirth and suffering, and attain Nirvana, usually translated as awakening or enlightenment.
You can read all about Bhuddism and Bhuddist philosophy on the Eastern Philosophy and Meditation website.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Eastern Meditiation Techniques And Psychology
Eastern meditation techniques and psychology can help you to overcome these "social" obstacles. These social obstacles might include isolating, difficulty relating with others, and aving a hard time "fitting in".
For myself, the reason why I had poor relations with others in
my social group was that I had a very poor relation with myself. I
could not accept any negative feelings in myself - feelings of anger,
hatred, fear and depression - and would refuse to accept them into my
consciousness. I would criticize and beat up on myself whenever I felt
these emotions. Naturally since I could not accept these feelings within
me I could not accept them in others. I would criticize others - often
to their faces - when they behaved in ways that I did not like, and I
did not like a lot of things. Such behavior would clearly be unacceptable
in any country or culture, from someone as young as I was then and who
was also financially dependent on his parents.
There was another consequence of my excessive criticism of myself. I
would simply refuse to accept certain feelings into my consciousness.
Hence I could not understand it when people around me felt those or
similar emotions. Think of it this way. A person who has never felt
anger will be unable to understand or empathize when people around
him feel angry. He will not be able to co-relate this with his own
internal experience because he has never felt it. What is required is
that the person should experience anger, re-claim his angry feelings,
and accept these feelings as his own. Only by dealing appropriately
with yourself can you have good relations with others.
Eastern psychology - particularly Buddhist psychology - insists that a
person should welcome all thought and feelings, as they arise, into
his consciousness. Just accept it into your consciousness and leave
it there - no need to verbalize or think or debate with yourself
whether the feeling is appropriate or not. Simply accept. The feeling
will pass of its own accord because it is impermanent. And you will be
free of this feeling yourself and better able to deal with it in others.
There is a technique called the Sedona method that teaches how to
release negative feelings as they arise. Check it out if you like. I
have purchased the program and found that it did not live up to all
the claims that were being made for it. But the basic concepts - that
of welcoming your feelings as they arise so hat they dissolve of themselves
- are valid and find support in Buddhist psychology.
You may want to purchase the Sedona method program but it is expensive.
And indeed meditation will give you the same benefits. Simply practice
focusing on your in breath and out breath for 30 minutes daily. Remember
to welcome and thus dissolve all thoughts and feelings as they arise in
your meditation. You can sit on a chair to meditate. Thus for 30 minutes you
will be in meditation, free from the clutches of the ego, and you will
arise completely refreshed.
For myself, the reason why I had poor relations with others in
my social group was that I had a very poor relation with myself. I
could not accept any negative feelings in myself - feelings of anger,
hatred, fear and depression - and would refuse to accept them into my
consciousness. I would criticize and beat up on myself whenever I felt
these emotions. Naturally since I could not accept these feelings within
me I could not accept them in others. I would criticize others - often
to their faces - when they behaved in ways that I did not like, and I
did not like a lot of things. Such behavior would clearly be unacceptable
in any country or culture, from someone as young as I was then and who
was also financially dependent on his parents.
There was another consequence of my excessive criticism of myself. I
would simply refuse to accept certain feelings into my consciousness.
Hence I could not understand it when people around me felt those or
similar emotions. Think of it this way. A person who has never felt
anger will be unable to understand or empathize when people around
him feel angry. He will not be able to co-relate this with his own
internal experience because he has never felt it. What is required is
that the person should experience anger, re-claim his angry feelings,
and accept these feelings as his own. Only by dealing appropriately
with yourself can you have good relations with others.
Eastern psychology - particularly Buddhist psychology - insists that a
person should welcome all thought and feelings, as they arise, into
his consciousness. Just accept it into your consciousness and leave
it there - no need to verbalize or think or debate with yourself
whether the feeling is appropriate or not. Simply accept. The feeling
will pass of its own accord because it is impermanent. And you will be
free of this feeling yourself and better able to deal with it in others.
There is a technique called the Sedona method that teaches how to
release negative feelings as they arise. Check it out if you like. I
have purchased the program and found that it did not live up to all
the claims that were being made for it. But the basic concepts - that
of welcoming your feelings as they arise so hat they dissolve of themselves
- are valid and find support in Buddhist psychology.
You may want to purchase the Sedona method program but it is expensive.
And indeed meditation will give you the same benefits. Simply practice
focusing on your in breath and out breath for 30 minutes daily. Remember
to welcome and thus dissolve all thoughts and feelings as they arise in
your meditation. You can sit on a chair to meditate. Thus for 30 minutes you
will be in meditation, free from the clutches of the ego, and you will
arise completely refreshed.
Monday, March 03, 2008
The challenges and joys of learning meditation
The goal is the journey. Find out how practicing and learning meditation in daily life helps you live life intensely
Learning meditation
Learning meditation
The goal of all mindfulness exercises
Avoiding fruitless thinking is the goal of all mindfulness exercises. You will live life more intensely. Learn how.
Mindfulness exercises
Mindfulness exercises
Friday, February 29, 2008
The path and the goal
The state of relaxed alertness is both the path and the goal of meditation practices.
Click on the following link to learn more about this essence of meditation methods
Click on the following link to learn more about this essence of meditation methods
More Buddhism beliefs
How we can use the mystical insights of the Zen Master Bodhidharma to transform our lives
Here then is one of the most useful of the Buddhism beliefs
Here then is one of the most useful of the Buddhism beliefs
Here are some memorable Confucius quotes
Here are some memorable Confucius quotes.
Confucius stressed justice. He was moderate in all things even virtue. Here then is another profound Confucius quotations:
A disciple asked Confucius, “How do you regard the principle of returning good for evil.”
Confucius says, “What then would be the return of good? Rather you should return justice for injustice and good for good.”
Click the link for more Confucius quotes
Friday, March 23, 2007
Basic Buddhism beliefs practices
Some points about Buddhism beliefs practices are mentioned in this article.
On this page I will briefly cover Buddhism beliefs and then explain in more details some Buddhist practices that I have experimented with.
Click here for the full article on Buddhism beliefs practices
On this page I will briefly cover Buddhism beliefs and then explain in more details some Buddhist practices that I have experimented with.
Click here for the full article on Buddhism beliefs practices
What are the basic beliefs of Buddhism? Some answers.
This article explains the basic beliefs of Buddhism. These constitute the Buddhist doctrine of salvation and belief in the 3 Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
As regards the doctrine of salvation Buddhism is based on 3 precepts:-
a) Impermanence of all phenomena
Click here for the full article Basic beliefs of Buddhism
As regards the doctrine of salvation Buddhism is based on 3 precepts:-
a) Impermanence of all phenomena
Click here for the full article Basic beliefs of Buddhism
Thursday, March 22, 2007
How does meditation benefit stress?
How does meditation benefits stress?
In this article I will describe how to bring meditation to your day-to-day life so that you can deal with stress as it arises.
Click here for the full article on Meditation benefits stress
In this article I will describe how to bring meditation to your day-to-day life so that you can deal with stress as it arises.
Click here for the full article on Meditation benefits stress
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Basic beliefs of 5 Facts Buddhism explained
5 facts Buddhism are explained below in this article.
These are also the basic Buddhism beliefs. They make up the Buddhist doctrine of salvation. This doctrine of salvation along with the Buddhist beliefs in the 3 Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha form the accepted Buddhist beliefs common to all traditions at Buddhism.
These important facts are
Click here for the full article on 5 Facts Buddhism
Monday, March 19, 2007
Buddhism religion history in India
In this Buddhism religion history, I will cover its history in India.
In actual fact Buddhism covered almost the whole of Asia - excluding perhaps Russia. But I cannot cover all these details in a short article.
The Shakyamuni Buddha founded Buddhism through his enlightenment and teaching. He livd between 563 BC and 483 BC
Click here for the full article on Buddhism religion history
In actual fact Buddhism covered almost the whole of Asia - excluding perhaps Russia. But I cannot cover all these details in a short article.
The Shakyamuni Buddha founded Buddhism through his enlightenment and teaching. He livd between 563 BC and 483 BC
Click here for the full article on Buddhism religion history
Saturday, March 17, 2007
The close agreement of Buddhism and Facts
Buddhism and facts are in close agreement. In fact the basic propositions of most Eastern philosophies have now been verified by modern science. Modern science now seems to be reaching the same conclusions about the Universe as the ancient mystics of the East.
Click here for the full article on Buddhism and Facts
Click here for the full article on Buddhism and Facts
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