View this Free Essay in PDF format

This free essay has been submitted by: Guest User

Distinguishing Between Eastern and Western Philosophy

The search and love for knowledge are as intrinsic to human nature as the drives for self-preservation and social interaction.  From the time we wonder at the colors and sounds about us to the moment we finally confront eternity with our last breaths, we are occupied with the pursuit of understanding our environment, ourselves, and the nature of whatever reality may exist beyond. People essentially want to know, and the basic questions of life-why, who, whence, whither, and how-tease even the staunchest materialist in the quiet moments of awe or the times of pressing injustice. To answer these questions, there have evolved two great philosophies, which are usually designated by the geographical divisions of East and West. The modern Western approach addresses the problem from an objective, theoretical, and pluralistic standpoint, whereas the ancient Eastern approach is more subjective, experiential, and holistic. The West looks outward to external data, and the east turn inward to internal experience; one method is based primarily on dialectics and discursive deductive speculation, while the other is based on introspection and direct intuitive insight.

The Eastern orientation is becoming increasingly important in the West as we begin to realize the there are more things in heaven and earth that are dreamt of most Western philosophies, As proponents of the Western approach investigate increasingly subtle aspects of reality, the basic assumptions of the two philosophies are becoming less divergent. The philosophy of the Vedânta long ago declared that the whole universe is Brahman-all-pervading Consciousness-and modern science is now beginning to come to the same conclusion, based on empirical data and inferential methodology. Quantum field theory and the theory of relativity are pointing toward the essential unity of all things, and the disciplines of physics and metaphysics are thus finding common ground. In their search for an intellectually satisfying explanation of the nature of reality, modern Western scientists and philosophers are discovering and exploring the wisdom of the Asian world view. A similar transition from materialism to idealism is evident in the arts. The modern artist has shifted to literal replication to abstract interpretation and finally to nonobjective conceptualization. Many present-day creations bear a marked likeness to ancient yogic works of art in essence and in appearance because both are attempts to convey visual philosophical statements about the nature of certain aspects of reality. Psychology has of course also been in the forefront of the exploration in to the nature of reality, and new sub disciplines-such as transpersonal psychology, the psychology of consciousness, and parapsychology-investigates subtleties of life beyond the mind. Studies such as these find few prototypes except in Eastern philosophy. As psychologist attempt to find solutions to the mental problems of life on deeper levels, large numbers of them are coming to esteem the ethical systems, practical techniques and positive cosmology of Eastern philosophy.

Thus it is becoming increasingly apparent to Western thinkers that, as Mahatma Gandhi said, "Much that we hug today as knowledge is ignorance pure and simple."  In effort to discover what is true, more and more Westerners are investigating the Eastern approach as well as the Western approach.

Success on this path is not easy. Constant awareness, guidance from a competent teacher, and faith in and total surrender to the absolute Reality lead the aspirant to the highest goal of life.

Add a Review for this free essay

Name: Rate: Select 10 (Good) 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (Bad)

Comments Characters Left
Verify:*

Sticky Note Text....