Eastern Philosopy
Buddhism
Who is Buddha?
Siddhartha Gautama became known
as 'the buddha'
Buddha means "one who has awakened"
Meaning of life
Goal is to reach enlightenment
Known as 'Nirvana' or absolute truth
Nirvana is also the end of reincarnation
How to achieve nirvana
Let go of all desires and passions
desires = suffering
Follow the laws of karma
cause and effect, doing good brings good in return, etc.
Accept the Four Truths:
Dukkha
Suffering is everywhere
Samudaya
attachment & ignorance are the cause of suffering
Nirodha
Anyone can reach the end of suffering (nirvana)
Magga
There is a way out of suffering by purifying the mind and doing no harm
Taoism
What is Taoism?
Suspected to be founded by Lao Tzu
Tao means 'path' or 'road'
Meaning of life
Follow a Tao to unify oneself with reality
Steady acceptance of ultimate truths (wu wei)
This journey is different for everyone
No Tao is the same, the seeker knows when Tao has been achieved
A happy life is one united with nature
Reality
Tao, nature, and reality are one.
Hinduism
What is Hinduism?
Comes from ancient writings called Vedas
Veda comes from sanskrit meaning knowledge
Reality (Brahman)
Is eternal, unchanging, and perfect
The human world of separate things is false
Meaning of life
Achieve truth and purest self
Self realization and enlightenment
Often involves meditation
Confucianism
What is Confucianism?
Named after Supreme Sage K'ung-fu-tsu
also known as Confucius
Meaning of life
To help seekers find enlightenment
Remembering forgotten virtue and nobility
Seeking within oneself for answers
Utmost respect for elders