University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Las Pinas City

Report in the Concept of Eastern Philosophy and Western Philosophy

Submitted by: Angela Marie Ferrer BSN 2B

September 13, 2011

Concept of Western Philosophy Western philosophy is a line of related philosophical thinking, beginning in Ancient Greece, and including the predominant philosophical thinking of Europe and its former colonies up to the present day. The concept of philosophy itself originated in the West, derived from the ancient Greek word philosophia (); literally, "the love of wisdom" (philein = "to love" + sophia = wisdom, in the sense of theoretical or cosmic insight). However, many nonWestern religions have adopted the term philosophy in reference to cosmic intellectual discourse analogous to Western philosophy. See Eastern philosophy. Western philosophy has had a tremendous influence on, and has been greatly influenced by, Western religion, science, and politics. Indeed, the central concepts of these fields can be thought of as elements or branches of Western philosophy. To the Ancient Greeks, these fields were often one and the same. Thus, in the West, philosophy is an expansive and ambiguous concept. Today, however, what generally distinguishes philosophy from other Western disciplines is the notion that philosophy is a "deeper" and more rational, fundamental, and universal form of thought than other disciplines. Reference: http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Western_philosophy

Concept of Eastern Philosophy 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.

Reference: http://eastern-philosophy-and-meditation.blogspot.com/2009/01/easternphilosophy-and-oneness.html The Difference between Western Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy Issues Main Schools Eastern Philosophy Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduis m, Integral Yoga, Islam, Taoism, Zen 1. Cosmological unity 2. Life is a journey towards eternal realities that are beyond the realities that surround us 3. Circular view of the universe, based on the perception of eternal recurrence 4. Inner-world dependent 5. Self-liberation from the false "Me" and finding the true "Me" 6. Behavioral ethics The "Me" concept Eternal reality of the universal truth: self-liberation through getting rid of the false "Me" and discovering the true "Me" "Me" is here and now. The true Me in every human being is a part of the Divine that need to become apparent. True Me is given and doesnt have to be cognizable. Opposition

Western Philosophy Christianity**, Rational, Scientific, Logical schools 1. Feeling oneself as an element of the Divine 2. Life is a service (to the God, money, business, etc.) 3. Linear view of the universe and life, based on the Christian philosophy where everything has its beginning and the end. 4. Outer-world dependent 5. Self-dedication to the goal (success, happiness, etc.)

Main Principles

Relationship with Religion Search for Absolute Truth

Integration

Systemic approach all events in the universe are interconnected Searching inside yourself by becoming a part of the universe through meditation and right living "Though he should live a hundred

More focused on individual events and the role of the person Searching outside yourself through research and analysis "The truth that survives is simply the lie that is pleasantest to believe." ~ H.L.Mencken

years, not seeing the Truth Sublime; yet better, indeed, is the single day's life of one who sees the Truth Sublime." ~ Buddha Search for Truth & Fundamental Research Future The truth is given is does not to have be proved. The philosophic base for and culture of fundamental research is weaker. Your future is determined by your deeds today. "Study the past if you would like to divine the future." ~ Confucius Beliefs and Values The true key is inside. The inner world of a human being and his or her ability to control and develop it is of the highest value. The way to the top is inside yourself, through self-development. "The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell." ~ Confucius "By chasing desires you will meet only the outer surface." ~ Lao Tzu The truth needs to be proven. The philosophic base for and culture of fundamental research is stronger. Your future is unknown, it was predetermined by God and is not much influenced by your deeds. "You can never plan the future by the past." ~ Edmund Burke The main values are success and achievement. These that can be achieved in many ways, but rarely through developing inner strength. The majority of success and achievement criteria have an external nature (money, faith, popularity, etc.). The way to the top is through active outside intervention. "Happiness lies in virtuous activity, and perfect happiness lies in the best activity, which is contemplative." ~ Aristotle A human being has an individualistic nature and is an independent part of the universe and the society. Individualism is stronger. Linear development, hence improvement has a goal. Development stops when the goal is reached. The fundamentals of the status quo can and often should bequestioned. The culture of

Individualism / Collectivism

A human being is an integral part of the universe and the society. People are fundamentally connected. Duty towards all others is a very important matter. Collectivism is stronger. Cyclic development, hence improvement is a never ending journey that has no limits. The fundamentals of the status quo should not be questioned. The culture of considering and

Improvement / Evolution

Radical Innovation / Revolution

introducing radical changes is weaker. Passion & Venturing Entrepreneurial creativity and venturing is contained by the habit to control one's passions. "Desires are the cause of suffering. If desire, which lies at the route of all human passion, can be removed, then passion will die out and all human suffering will be ended." ~ Buddhism "Vain indeed is all overweening pride in the conquest even of the entire universe if one has not conquered one's own passions." ~ Sri Aurobindo Achievement & Winning Winning is inside yourself. "Though he should conquer a thousand men in the battlefield a thousand times, yet he, indeed, who would conquer himself is the noblest victor." ~ Buddha "He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty." ~ Lao Tzu "The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of self." Mohammad

considering and introducing radical changes is stronger. Entrepreneurial venturing is encouraged emotionally. "Nothing is ever achieved by reasonable men." J Fred Bucy of Texas Instruments "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm ... Always do what you are afraid to do... Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson "If you want to succeed, you have to forge new paths and avoid borrowed ones." ~ John Rockfeller Winning is outside yourself. "You're not a star until they can spell your name in Karachi." ~ Roger Moore "Life affords no higher pleasure than that of surmounting difficulties, passing from one stop of success to another, forming new wishes and seeing them gratified." ~ Samuel Johnson "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." Pragmatic and emotional approac h. "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." ~ Arnold Toynbee "Since most of us spend our lives doing ordinary tasks, the most important thing is to carry them out extraordinary well." ~ Henry

Implementatio n

Spiritual and missionary approach. "To create and develop without any feelings of ownership, to work and guide without any expectation and control, is the best quality" ~ Lao Tzu To achieve self-liberation and nirvana you need to perform your duties without expecting any

reward for it. ~ Vedanta, Hinduism "Action can be achieved by inaction, where the result is achieved by "Not-Me" ~ Zen Goals & Key to Success Spiritual "Virtuous life and adherence to performing your duties." ~ Confucianism "The Three Armies can be deprived of their commanding officer, but even a common man cannot be deprived of his purpose." ~ Confucius "If you really want everything, then give up everything." ~ Lao Tzu "He is able who thinks he is able." ~ Buddha

David Thoreau "Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution." ~ Brian Tracy Materialistic "The secret of success in life, and subsequently of making money, is to enjoy your work. If you do, nothing is hard work no matter how many hours you put in." ~ Sir Billy Butlin "Success is that old ABC ability, breaks and courage." ~ Charles Luckman "Flaming enthusiasm, backed by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success." Dale Carnegie Ethic "Refrain from doing ill; for one all powerful reason, lest our children should copy our misdeeds; we are all to prone to imitate whatever is base and depraved." ~ Juvenal "There is no real excellence in all this world which can be separated from right living." ~ David Starr Jordan

Living Principles

Virtue "Be satisfied with whatever you have, and enjoy the same. When you come to know that you have everything, and you are not short of anything, then the whole world will be yours." ~ Lao Tzu "The thought manifests as the word; The word manifests as the deed; The deed develops into habit; And habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its ways with care, And let it spring from love born out of concern for all beings." ~ Buddha

Establishing Control Over Your Emotions Leadership

Through meditation A man can separate his/her mind from his/her emotions and control them. ~ Taoism Spiritual; walking behind people; silence is golden.

Through analysis "I can control my passions and emotions if I can understand their nature." ~ Spinosa Hands-on; walking ahead of people; speech is golden.

"In order to guide people, the leader must put himself behind them. Thus when he is ahead they feel no hurt." ~ Lao Tzu

"Leadership is done from in front. Never ask others to do what you, if challenged, would not be willing to do yourself." ~ Xenophon

* Eastern philosophy is a group of philosophies and religions originating in India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Arabic countries ** Through Christianity originated in Asia geographically, culturally it's considered to be a Western religion that originated in the Mediterranean region

The Eastern Philosophy Hindu philosophy Hinduism (Santana Dharma, roughly Perennial Moral Duty) is one of the oldest major world religion. Hinduism is characterized by a diverse array of religious belief systems, practices and scriptures. It has its origin in ancient Vedic culture at least as far back as 1500 BC. It is the third largest religion with approximately 1.05 billion followers worldwide, 96% of whom live in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism rests on the spiritual bedrock of the Vedas, hence Veda Dharma, and their mystic issue, the Upanishads, as well as the teachings of many great Hindu gurus through the ages. Many streams of thought flow from the six Vedic/Hindu schools, Bhakti sects and Tantra Agamic schools into the one ocean of Hinduism, the first of the Dharma religions. Also, the sacred book Bhagavad Gita is one of the most revered texts among Hindus. What can be said to be common to many theistic Hindus is belief in Dharma, reincarnation, karma, and moksha (liberation) of every soul through a variety of moral, action-based, and meditative yogas. Still more fundamental principles include ahimsa (non-violence), the primacy of the Guru, the Divine Word of Aum and the power of mantras, love of Truth in many manifestations as gods and goddesses, and an understanding that the essential spark of the Divine (Atman) is in every human and living being, thus allowing for many spiritual paths leading to the One Unitary Religious Truth (which Hindus call Brahman). This acceptance of various paths leading to the same truth, is also a foundation of Hindu philosophy. However, since the term Hindu is more of an umbrella term for dharmic traditions arising from the Indian subcontinent, there may be persons who believe in none of the above concepts and yet consider themselves Hindu. The first collection of Indian philosophy that was written down was the Vedas. The word 'Veda' comes from the Sanskrit vid, meaning knowledge - the Vedas are 'sacred knowledge'. Their exact date is controversial, it is possible that the knowledge dates back 10,000 years BC, and were first written around 3,000 BC.

The metaphysical foundation of Hinduism, which is expressed in both the Vedas and the Upanishads is that Reality (Brahman) is One or Absolute, changeless, perfect and eternal. The ordinary human world of many separate and discrete (finite) things (which our mind represents by our senses) is an illusion. Through meditation and purity of mind, one can experience their true Self which is Brahman, God, the One infinite eternal thing which causes and connects the many things. True enlightenment is Self-realisation, to experience the supreme reality as Self. The following mantra and quotes express the aspirations of Hinduism religion; OM Asato ma sadgamaya, tamaso ma jyotirgamaya, mrityor mamritam gamaya " OM Lead me from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality." Though One, Brahman is the cause of the many. Brahman is the unborn (aja) in whom all existing things abide. The One manifests as the many, the formless putting on forms. (Rig Veda) Behold but One in all things; it is the second that leads you astray. (Kabir) The word Brahman means growth and is suggestive of life, motion, progress. (Radhakrishnan) Hindu cosmology is non-dualistic. Everything that is is Brahman. Brahman is the eternal Now, and in eternity there is no before or after, for everything is everywhere, always. To use the words of Pascal 'it is a circle the center of which is everywhere and the circumference nowhere.' (Sudhakar S.D, 1988) In Indian philosophy, the main terms used by Hindus and Buddhists have dynamic connotations. The word Brahman is derived from the Sanskrit root brih - to grow- and thus suggests a reality which is dynamic and alive. The Upanishads refer to Brahman as 'this unformed, immortal, moving', thus associating it with motion even though it transcends all forms.' The Rig Veda uses another term to express the dynamic character of the universe, the term Rita. This word comes from the root ri- to move. In its phenomenal aspect, the cosmic One is thus intrinsically dynamic, and the apprehension of its dynamic nature is basic to all schools of Eastern mysticism. They all emphasize that the universe has to be grasped dynamically, as it moves, vibrates and dances. ..The Eastern mystics see the universe as an inseparable web, whose interconnections are dynamic and not static. The cosmic web is alive; it moves and grows and changes continually. (Fritjof Capra, 1972.) In Hinduism, Shiva the Cosmic Dancer, is perhaps the most perfect personification of the dynamic universe. Through his dance, Shiva sustains the manifold phenomena in the world, unifying all things by immersing them in his rhythm and making them participate in the dance a magnificent image of the dynamic unity of the Universe. (Capra, The Tao of Physics) For a more detailed explanation of the Metaphysics of Hinduism and the Wave Structure of Matter, see the webpage Hinduism / Hindu Gods

Reference: http://www.spaceandmotion.com/buddhism-hinduism-taoism-confucianism.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_philosophy

Buddhist philosophy Buddhism is a system of religious beliefs based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, one whose tenets are not especially concerned with the existence or non-existence of a God or gods. The Buddha himself expressly disavowed any special divine status or inspiration, and said that anyone, anywhere could achieve all the insight that he had. The question of God is largely irrelevant in Buddhism, though some sects (notably Tibetan Buddhism) do venerate a number of gods drawn in from local indigenous belief systems yet this practice has taken on different meanings and has become a skillful mean within the Tibetan Buddhist practice. Buddhist philosophy has its foundations in the doctrines of:

anatta, which specifies that all is without substantial metaphysical identity, pratitya-samutpada, which delineates the Buddhist concept of causality, and Buddhist phenomenological analysis of dharmas, or phenomenological constituents.

Most Buddhist sects believe in karma, a cause-and-effect relationship between all that has been done and all that will be done. Events that occur are held to be the direct result of previous events. One effect of karma is 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. See also: Buddhism Outline of Buddhism Schools of Buddhism Buddhism is a moral philosophy / religion based upon the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (566 - 486 B.C.). Siddhartha Gautama became known as the Buddha. 'Buddha' (from the ancient Indian languages of Pali and Sanskrit) means "one who has awakened". It is derived from the verbal root "budh", meaning "to awaken" or "to be enlightened", and "to comprehend". The Buddha offered metaphysical knowledge into the nature of reality as well as a moral way of life. The Middle Way is an important idea in Buddhist thought and practice. To seek moderation and avoid the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. At the age of 35, meditating under a Bodhi tree, Siddhartha reached Enlightenment, awakening to the true nature of reality, which is Nirvana (Absolute Truth);

The dustless and stainless Eye of Truth (Dhamma-cakkhu) has arisen. He has seen Truth, has attained Truth, has known Truth, has penetrated into Truth, has crossed over doubt, is without wavering. Thus with right wisdom he sees it as it is (yatha bhutam) ... The Absolute Truth is Nibbana, which is Reality. (Buddha, from the Dhatuvibhanga-sutta (No. 140) of the Majjhima-nikaya) The Buddha taught that the nature of reality was impermanent and interconnected. We suffer in life because of our desire to transient things. Liberation from suffering may come by training the mind and acting according to the laws of karma (cause and effect) i.e. with right action, good things will come to you. This teaching is known as the Four Noble Truths: Dukkha: Suffering is everywhere Samudaya: There is a cause of suffering, which is attachment or misplaced desire (tanha) rooted in ignorance. Nirodha: There is an end of suffering, which is Nirvana (the possibility of liberation exists for everyone). Maggo: There is a path that leads out of suffering, known as the Noble Eightfold Path (right view, right thought, right speech, right conduct, right vocation, right effort, right attention and right concentration). The following quotes (from Buddha and others) express some of the main ideas of Buddhism; I will teach you the Truth and the Path leading to the Truth. (Buddha) It is proper for you to doubt .. do not go upon report .. do not go upon tradition..do not go upon hearsay..' (Buddha, Kalama Sutra) O Brahmana, it is just like a mountain river, flowing far and swift, taking everything along with it; there is no moment, no instant, no second when it stops flowing, but it goes on flowing and continuing. So Brahmana, is human life, like a mountain river. (Buddha) Wherefore, brethren, thus must ye train yourselves : Liberation of the will through love will develop, we will often practice it, we will make it vehicle and base, take our stand upon it, store it up, thoroughly set it going. (Buddha) From The Dhammapada; Not to do any evil, to cultivate the good, to purify ones mind, this is the Teaching of the Buddhas. To speak no ill will, to do no harm, to practice self-restraint according to the fundamental precepts, to be moderate in eating, to live in seclusion, to devote oneself to higher consciousness, this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.

By endeavour, diligence, discipline and self-mastery, let the wise person make (of himself) an island that no flood can overwhelm. All (mental) states have mind as their forerunner, mind is their chief, and they are mind-made. If one speaks or acts with a defiled mind, then suffering follows .. Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world; it is appeased by love. This is an eternal Law. Hard to restrain, unstable is this mind; it flits wherever it lists. Good is it to control the mind. A controlled mind brings happiness. 'All conditioned things are impermanent, when one sees this in wisdom, then one becomes dispassionate towards the painful. This is the Path to Purity. Buddhism recognizes that humans have a measure of freedom of moral choice, and Buddhist practice has essentially to do with acquiring the freedom to choose as one ought to choose with truth: that is of acquiring a freedom from the passions and desires that impel us to distraction and poor decisions. (Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught) Buddhism stands unique in the history of human thought in denying the existence of such a Soul, Self, or Atman. According to the teaching of the Buddha, the idea of self is imaginary, false belief which has no corresponding reality, and it produces harmful thoughts of me and mine, selfish desire, craving, attachment, hatred, ill-will, conceit, pride, egoism, and other defilements, impurities and problems. It is the source of all the troubles in the world from personal conflicts to wars between nations. (Rahula) The theory of karma is the theory of cause and effect, of action and reaction; it is a natural law, which has nothing to do with the idea of justice or reward and punishment. Every volitional action produces its effects or results. If a good action produces good effects, it is not justice, or reward, meted out by anybody or any power sitting in judgement of your action, but this is in virtue of its own nature, its own law. (Rahula) For the first time in the history of the world, Buddhism proclaimed a salvation which each individual could gain from him or herself, in this world, during this life, without any least reference to God, or to gods either great or small. (Aldous Huxley) See our webpage Buddha Nirvana / Buddhism Religion for more pictures, information and quotes on Karma, Truth, the Dynamic Unity of Reality, Buddha's conception of Mind and Matter, The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, Anatta (No Soul) and Conditioned Genesis (Paticca-samuppada). Reference: http://www.spaceandmotion.com/buddhism-hinduism-taoism-confucianism.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_philosophy

Taoism Taoism is the traditional foil of Confucianism. Taoism's central books are the Tao Te Ching, traditionally attributed to Lao Zi (Lao tse) and the Zhuang Zi (Chuang Tse). The core concepts of Taoism are traced far in Chinese History, incorporating elements of mysticism dating back to prehistoric times, linked also with the Book of Changes (I Ching), a divinatory set of 64 geometrical figures describing states and evolutions of the world. Taoism emphasizes Nature, individual freedom, refusal of social bounds, and was a doctrine professed by those who "retreated in mountains". At the end of their lives --or during the night, Confucian officers often behaved as Taoists, writing poetry or trying to "reach immortality". Yet Taoism is also a government doctrine where the ruler's might is ruling through "non-action" (Wuwei). There is a thing, formless yet complete. Before heaven and earth it existed. Without sound, without substance, it stands alone and unchanging. It is all-pervading and unfailing. We do not know its name, but we call it Tao. .. Being one with nature, the sage is in accord with the Tao. (Lao Tzu) Taoism is one of the great religions / philosophies of Ancient China (along with Buddhism and Confucianism). In 440 B.C. Taoism was adopted as a state religion of China, with Lao Tzu (so called founder of Taoism) honoured as a deity. Lao Tzu was a contemporary of Confucius and wrote a book called the Tao te Ching, composed some time between the sixth and third centuries B.C. Some people believe Lao Tzu is a mythical character. State support of Taoism ended in 1911 with the end of the Ch'ing Dynasty and much Taoist heritage was destroyed. Tao (pronounced 'Dao') can be defined as 'path', or 'road'. The way of the Tao is the way of Nature and of ultimate reality. Tao is often described as a force that flows through all life. A happy and virtuous life is one that is in harmony with the Tao, with Nature. The philosophy of Taoism understands Tao as the One Thing which exists and connects the Many things. Tao, Nature, Reality are One. The following quotes (attributed to Lao Tzu) help us understand the nature of the Tao; If people do not revere the Law of Nature, It will inexorably and adversely affect them If they accept it with knowledge and reverence, It will accommodate them with balance and harmony. There is a thing, formless yet complete. Before heaven and earth it existed. Without sound, without substance, it stands alone and unchanging. It is all-pervading and unfailing. One may think of it as the mother of all beneath Heaven.

We do not know its name, but we call it Tao. Deep and still, it seems to have existed forever. The Great Tao flows everywhere. It may go left or right. All things depend on it for life, and it does not turn away from them. It accomplishes its tasks, but does not claim credit for it. It clothes and feeds all things, but does not claim to be master over them. Always without desires, it may be called the Small. All things come to it and it does not master them; it may be called The Great. The Tao that can be told of is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name. Hold on to the Tao of old in order to master the things of the present. Being one with Nature, he is in accord with the Tao. Being in accord with the Tao, he is everlasting. Whether it is big or small, many or few, repay hatred with virtue. Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires. Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river. (Lao Tzu) See our webpage Taoism / Philosophy of the Tao for more quotes, information, history and pictures.

Reference: http://www.spaceandmotion.com/buddhism-hinduism-taoism-confucianism.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_philosophy

Confucianism Confucianism(), developed around the teachings of Confucius() and is based on a set of Chinese classic texts. Neo-Confucianism Neo-Confucianism is a later further development of Confucianism but also went much more differently from the origin of Confucianism. It started developing from the Song Dynasty and was nearly completed in late Ming Dynasty. Its root can be found as early as Tang Dynasty,

often attributed to scholar Tang Xie Tian. It has a great influence on the countries of East Asia including China, Japan and Korea as well as Vietnam as well. Zhu Xi is considered as the biggest master of Song where Neo-Confucianism and Wang Yangming is the one of Ming's. But there are conflicts between Zhu's school and Wang's. Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system based upon the teachings of the Chinese sage, Confucius. Confucius was a famous thinker and social philosopher of China, whose teachings have deeply influenced East Asia for centuries. Living in the Spring and Autumn period (a time when feudal states fought against each other), he was convinced of his ability to restore the world's order, though failed. After much travelling around China to promote his ideas among rulers, he eventually became involved in teaching disciples. His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, and justice and sincerity. Used since then as the imperial orthodoxy, Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a vast and complete philosophical system known in the west as Confucianism. The Analects is a short collection of his discussions with disciples, compiled posthumously. These contain an overview of his teachings. Confucius presents himself as a transmitter who invented nothing and his greatest emphasis may be on study, the Chinese character that opens the book. In this respect, he is seen by Chinese people as the Greatest Master. Far from trying to build a systematic theory of life and society, he wanted his disciples to think deeply for themselves and relentlessly study the outside world. For almost two thousand years, Analects had also been the fundamental course of study for any Chinese scholar, for a man was not considered morally upright or enlightened if he did not study Confucius' works. Based upon http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius The following quotes from The Analects demonstrate the simplicity and wisdom of Confucianism; Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there. Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it. Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses. Men's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart. Respect yourself and others will respect you. Study the past if you would define the future. To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle. What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others. When anger rises, think of the consequences. When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

 Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue. Have no friends not equal to yourself. If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand. Reference: http://www.spaceandmotion.com/buddhism-hinduism-taoism-confucianism.htm Judaism Judaism is the "religion, philosophy, and way of life" of the Jewish people.[1]Originating in the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Tanakh) and explored in later texts such as the Talmud, it is considered by religious Jews to be the expression of the covenantal relationship God developed with the Children of Israel. According to traditional Rabbinic Judaism, God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses onMount Sinai in the form of both the Written and Oral Torah.[2] This was historically challenged by the Karaites, a movement that flourished in the medieval period, retains several thousand followers today and maintains that only the Written Torah was revealed.[3] In modern times, liberal movements such as Humanistic Judaism may be nontheistic.[4] Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning more than 3,000 years. It is one of the oldest monotheistic religions,[5] and the oldest to survive into the present day.[6][7] TheHebrews / Israelites were already referred to as Jews in later books of the Tanakh such as the Book of Esther, with the term Jews replacing the title "Children of Israel."[8]Judaism's texts, traditions and values strongly influenced later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam and the Baha'i Faith.[9][10] Many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil law.[11] Jews are an ethnoreligious group[12] and include those born Jewish and converts to Judaism. In 2010, the world Jewish population was estimated at 13.4 million, or roughly 0.2% of the total world population. About 42% of all Jews reside in Israel and about 42% reside in the United States and Canada, with most of the remainder living in Europe.[13] The largest Jewish religious movements are Orthodox Judaism(Hareidi Judaism and Modern Orthodox Judaism), Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. A major source of difference between these groups is their approach to Jewish law.[14] Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Torah and Jewish law are divine in origin, eternal and unalterable, and that they should be strictly followed. Conservative and Reform Judaism are more liberal, with Conservative Judaism generally promoting a more "traditional" interpretation of Judaism's requirements than Reform Judaism. A typical Reform position is that Jewish law should be viewed as a set of general guidelines rather than as a set of restrictions and obligations whose observance is required of all Jews.[15][16]Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law; today, these courts still exist but the practice of Judaism is mostly voluntary.[17] Authority on theological and legal matters is not vested in any one person or organization, but in the sacred texts and the many rabbis and scholars who interpret these texts.[18]

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism

Islam Islam (English /zlm/;[note 1] Arabic: al-islm IPA: [slm] ( listen)[note 2]) is the monotheistic religion articulated by the Quran, a text considered by its adherents to be the verbatim word of God (Arabic: Allh), and by the teachings and normative example (called the Sunnah and composed of Hadith) of Muhammad, considered by them to be the last prophet of God. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim. Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of existence is to worship God.[1][2] Muslims also believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed at many times and places before, including through Abraham, Moses and Jesus, whom they consider prophets .[3] Muslims maintain that previous messages and revelations have been partially changed or corrupted over time,[4] but consider the Qur'an to be both the unaltered and the final revelation of God.[5] Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship, and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, providing guidance on multifarious topics from banking and welfare, to warfare and the environment.[6][7] Most Muslims belong to one of two denominations; with 80-90% being Sunni and 10-20% being Shia.[8][9][10] About 13% of Muslims live in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country,[11] 25% in South Asia,[11] 20% in the Middle East,[12] 2% in Central Asia, 4% in the remaining South East Asian countries, and 15% in Sub-saharan Africa.[13] Sizable communities are also found in China and Russia, and parts of Europe. Converts and immigrant communities are found in almost every part of the world (see Islam by country). With about 1.41-1.57 billion Muslims, comprising about 21-23% of the world's population,[13][14] Islam is the second-largest religion and one of the fastest-growing religions in the world.[15][16] Islam is a verbal noun originating from the triliteral root s-l-m which forms a large class of words mostly relating to concepts of wholeness, completion and bonding/joining.[17] In a religious context it means "voluntary submission to God".[18][19] Muslim, the word for an adherent of Islam, is the active participle of the same verb of which Islm is the infinitive. Believers demonstrate submission to God by worshipping God and following his commands, and rejecting polytheism. The word sometimes has distinct connotations in its various occurrences in the Qur'an. In some verses (ayat), there is stress on the quality of Islam as an internal conviction: "Whomsoever God desires to guide, He expands his breast to Islam."[20] Other verses connect islm and dn (usually translated as "religion"): "Today, I have perfected your religion (dn) for you; I have completed My blessing upon you; I have approved Islam for your religion."[21] Still others describe Islam as an action of returning to Godmore than just a verbal affirmation of faith.[22] Another technical meaning in Islamic thought is as one part of a triad of islam, imn (faith), and ihsn (excellence) where it represents acts of worship (`ibdah) and Islamic law (sharia).[23]

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam Christianity Christianity (from the Ancient Greek word , Khristos, "Christ", literally "anointed one") is a monotheistic religion[1] based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented incanonical gospels and other New Testament writings.[2] Adherents of the Christian faith are known as Christians.[3] Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, God having become human and thesaviour of humanity. Because of this, Christians commonly refer to Jesus as Christ orMessiah.[4] The three largest groups in the world of Christianity are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the various denominations of Protestantism. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox patriarchates split from one another in the EastWest Schism of 1054 AD, and Protestantism came into existence during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, splitting from the Roman Catholic Church.[5] Christianity began as a Jewish sect in the mid-1st century.[6][7] Originating in the easternMediterranean coast of the Middle East (modern Israel and Palestine), it quickly spread toSyria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and Egypt, it grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire.[8] During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was Christianized, with Christians also being a sometimes large religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, Ethiopia[9] and parts of India.[10] Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas, Australasia, sub Saharan Africa and the rest of the world. In order to follow Jesus' command to serve others, Christians established hospitals, churches, schools, charities, orphanages, homeless shelters, and universities in the areas in which they spread Christianity.[11][12][13] Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible, referred to as the "Old Testament" in Christianity. The foundation of Christian theology is expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds which contain claims predominantly accepted by followers of the Christian faith.[14] These professions state that Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead to open heaven to those who believe in him and trust him for the remission of their sins (salvation).[15] They further maintain that Jesus bodily ascendedinto heaven where he rules and reigns with God the Father. Most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge all humans, living and dead, and grant eternal life to his followers. He is considered the model of a virtuous life, and both the revealer and physical incarnationof God.[16] Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence refer to the earliest written accounts of his ministry as gospels. As of the early 21st century, Christianity has approximately 2.2 billion adherents.[17][18][19]Christianity represents about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion.[20] Christianity is the state religion of several countries.[21] Among allChristians, 37.5% live in the Americas (11.4% in the United States),

25.7% live in Europe, 22.5% live in Africa, 13.1% live in Asia, 1.2% live in Oceania. Only 0.9% of all Christians live in the Middle East. Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity

Filipino Philosophy FILIPINO PHILOSOPHY AND ITS NATURE A. To Be A Filipino To be a Filipino is to be a citizen of the country either living in the archipelago or in other country.[3] September 1, 2003 law of dual citizenship states that a Filipino citizen may be naturally born of the country or born by a Filipina outside of the country and or any Filipino who is also a citizen of another country. People from the Philippines are called Filipinos and also known as Pinoys. The Spaniards first used the term Filipino after calling the archipelago Felipinas in honor of the King of Spain at the time of the archipelagos rediscovery. It was then reserved as a calling name for Spaniards living in the archipelago, where the natives were called Indios. The Americans in 1900s accepted the word Filipinas as official name of the country and translated it into the now name of the country Philippines. Filipino became the basis of native national identity and citizenship of the people living in the country.[4] There are distinct characteristics of Filipinos that may vary from one island to another. Influences from the environment, ancestral traditions, and cultural and religious traditions are a few of these. The Filipinos, in any language use loob as the basis of life and other expressions therein. Any Filipino, with exceptions of those who were born in other countries and lived there - without any bahid of the Filipino culture on Mainland, has a self who is an interpersonal and other centered for western thinking, but a reality to them. Internal organs and the body itself is consciously and unconsciously expressed by Filipinos by its use of terms. It has been incorporated in the different languages and the dialects found in the whole archipelago. Examples of these are the use of utang na loob, malayo pa sa kasukasuan used when somebody is wounded or hurt, and many more which can be found in the many studies conducted on the Filipino individual and the Filipino people. B. Philosophy as defined Philosophy is from Greek, by way of Latin, philosophia, "love of wisdom," the critical examination of the grounds for fundamental beliefs and an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of such beliefs.[5] Philosophy is an enterprise of constructing and assessing philosophical categorical systems.[6]

C. The Existence of Filipino Philosophy Filipino Philosophy exists by the nature that every human individual has his own philosophy in life. A Filipino is a human individual. Therefore there is a Filipino Philosophy. It may not be as established as other philosophies do, but at least, it is under development and emerging. The Filipino individual, citizen in political and societal terms, composes the nation or the society. The fusion of the moral laws and norms of the individual Filipino beings, as in the context of the social contract of Hobbes, brings about the moral philosophy of the Filipino people. Moral philosophy is within the realm of the philosophical discipline. D. Filipino Philosophy Defined According to Mercado Filipino Philosophy or the peoples diwa is what is, not what should be, and as such it has its weaknesses and strengths. It is both dynamic and static. Other scholars do not give a definite definition of what is Filipino Philosophy. But here we shall define the terms in order for us to have a clear and determined notion of what Filipino Philosophy is all about. Basing from aforementioned definitions of what is a or to be a Filipino and the definitions of Philosophy, we now define Filipino Philosophy as the critical examination of the grounds for the fundamental beliefs of Filipino being as an individual and as a universal; likewise it is an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of their worldview. Filipino Philosophy is the critical examination of the grounds for fundamental beliefs of Filipinos and an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of the Filipino Worldviews. Furthermore, I would like to define it into three dimensions: 1. Filipino Philosophy as a discipline. 2. Filipino Philosophy as a behavioral worldview pattern of Filipinos. 3. Filipino Philosophy as an identity. Filipino Philosophy as a discipline. It is the critical examination of the grounds for the fundamental beliefs of Filipino being as an individual and as a universal; likewise it is an analysis of the basic concepts employed in the expression of their worldview. Included in this study is the study of Filipino worldview from different tribal groups to mainland people and to the new generation of the modern times. Since it is a study and the Filipinos have a diversity of life as it has a seven thousand one hundred islands, there should also be different branches of Filipino Philosophy of which I categorize as: (1) Ethnolinguistic-Tribal Philosophy where Bicolano, Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano Philosphies would fall under; (2) Filipino Philosophy of Religion; (4) Animism and Practices of Filipinos; and (5) other Filipino Phylosophies that Filipino scholars may add and institutionalize that is not or

only partially influenced by the Western Philosophy and purely in the Filipino context. Ethnolinguistic-Tribal Philosophy will further explain and discuss the main ideas and the worldviews of the linguistic groups in the country. Particulars bring about the general. Each particular small group philosophies combines into one distinct philosophy which is the Filipino Philosophy. What unites it or what is common among the philosophies? The self or the I, or that individual characteristic sakop orientedness. Knowing that the Filipinos are animalistic, owing its culture to the eastern practice, Filipino Philosophy of Religion and Animism and Practices of the Filipinos would explain further the motives why an individual does his or her thightings or his adoration of his or her God and attributes. It will further explain the way Filipinos think or give importance to their religious experience and how orthrodox it is to the true orthrodox religion. It must be the tool in understanding the Filipinos attitude on feasts, religious activities such as Christmas, Holy Week, Ramadan, and that amazing attitude of adoring mountains and making places sacred. Questions like, Where do these attitudes come from? Is it from the hospitality? the fear of God? or Filipinos attitude of harmony? are to be answered more clearly by this branch of Filipino Philosophy. Filipino Philosophy as a behavioral worldview pattern of Filipinos. Filipino Philosophy is the attitude, worldview, and notion of the natural citizens of the Philippines towards the day-to-day experiences in life, religion, communication, survival, interrelationship with people and intrarelationship with his sakop or to oneself the I, and the uplifting of ones soul the Filipino being. Filipinos are used to be stereotyped as the bamboo grass for it always sway with the wind. The Filipino people has gone through tough and rough times, good and bounty years, and yet they always stand as firm as it was on the day our ancestors fought Magellan. Our own worldview explains why we stand all erect despite economic downfall, political crisis, natural calamities. One thing that is to be observed, everything revolves in relationships, in the sakop, in the upliftment of ones soul. Justice for the Filipino people is the satisfaction of the needs of the self and his relations. These and more is the pattern of Filipinos which leads to the general behavior of the nation the philosophy of the Filipinos. Filipino Philosophy as an identity. Filipino Philosophy is the soul (self or I ) of humans living in the Philippines having other-orientedness-centered-on-affinity-and-environment-self, and feelings towards realities and illusions in life and ones entity that is obviously evident in his endurance to be with his society, live the religious-spiritual aspects imposed and expected of him, and live-out the culture he/she has acquired from his ancestors and his current environment. We are used to presuppose that our philosophy is a western philosophy and yet I say that it is not. It is a pride to say that we have our own, our very own identity, our sense of existence and our own line of thoughts. Having our own worldview and our own way of looking at things and experiences is a mere fact that we are having our own true identity, we have our own pride. We

may owe some of its components from our past but it does not mean it conquers all. The past is only a part of it and not the whole so we can call Filipino philosophy as ours. It is wrong to say that Filipino philosophy may not be as what it is now or before because it has its own identity. But we have to accept the fact that we have no other choice but to recognize the contributing factors to its nature. Historical knowledge as said by Croce, is considered as complete knowledge. Filipinos having his own mind and having his own way of thinking has gained knowledge. He may have gained it from his history as he judge his day-to-day life and experiences and perceptions, but we can consider it as knowledge it self. Culture sets off from the split of a second measured in the historical timeline of an individual or of a nation. Culture brings about variations in languages and in religious notions. All of these affect in one-way or another the Filipino mind. The next chapter will further expand and discuss these major factors in the coining of a Filipino worldview. Reference: http://urbanixcmf.blogspot.com/p/filipino-philosophy.html