Concepts of SELF: EASTERN PHILOSOPHY

Course Introduction and overview

Varied cultural orientations have developed ideas towards a better understanding of the complexities of the self.
There is a continuous quest to find explanations as to the real nature of being human and the self for the attainment of
enlightenment. Hence, while Western Philosophy focuses on ‘individualistic’ nature Eastern thoughts centralized on collective existence and
always for the benefit of the larger community.
Different civilizations from the Sumerian, Babylonian, and Hebrew consider man as a mere extension of his Creator such as in the
Western civilization where man is considered as an artifact of the gods. It is different from Eastern conception where man is in unity with
God, In the East, the idea of the self is indeed one of complete unity with the creator – Man is God, acted out in a multitude of different
ways, as an actor plays a part in a drama. In the West, it is clear that the idea of the self is perceived as distance from God – the pot is
distinct from the potter, with man as the artifact of creation.

Individualism is an orientation concerned with the independence and self-reliance of the individual, whereas
collectivism is an orientation characterized by belongingness to larger groups or collectives.
 Individualistic cultures put more emphasis on promoting the individual and the immediate family’s welfare, Collectivistic cultures, on the
other hand, give more importance to loyalty to the in-group, which in turn takes care of the individual’s welfare.
The western conception of the self-individualistic; it gives more emphasis on freedom and choice - an independent
self that is free from the influence of culture and environment and from the expectations and welfare of the society. It
emphasizes the uniqueness of every individual and it is predicted on egoism or self orientedness. Individualism
foregrounds that a human being has a self, is an individual, and is a person. It gives more emphasis on individual goals
and his or her journey toward self-realization or self-actualization. The self is free to express itself.
The eastern conception of self is collectivistic; it gives more importance on relationships, roles, duties, obligations,
and the preservation of culture and tradition. It priorities the needs and the goals of the society over the needs and desire of every
individual.

Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module, you should be able to:

• Understand the concepts behind the eastern principles;

• Decipher the difference between each principle;
• Explain the origin of these eastern views;
• Identify how these insights contribute to self-determination;
 Learning Content

BUDDHISM
Siddhartha Gautama Buddha developed the doctrine called Anatta, and it’s often defined as ‘no-self’ or
the principle that nothing is permanent and that no one is independent entry as we are all part of collective whole.
He explained that there is no unchanging self. The reality of the Dukkha or suffering and Anicca or
impermanence is the truth about existence.
The Anatta doctrine states that there is anything called ‘self’ as belief in this leads to Dukkha which is
mere called suffering and pain. As a doctrine Buddhism argues that there is ‘no soul or no self’. However, it is
believed that every human has a mind and body as well as stream of consciousness.
Five (5) Components of ‘Skandas’ which make up a person;
1. Form - which comprises the body and the sense organs;
2. Sensation - which are the process created by the senses in contact with the external
environment;
3. Perception – which is recognition of objects according to one’s senses;
4. Mental Formation -
5. Consciousness – which is awareness about a stimulus from the internal or external
environment.
HINDUISM
The ‘self’ in the Upanishads finds its place in “The Story of Creation,” pertaining to the creation of the universe and of
man. The part begins with the ‘self’ was all alone in the person of Purusha. The true nature of man is described as “Brahman,” which
means ‘the self’.
The main ideas in Hinduism involves:
1. The concept of God (Brahman. Which is the most supreme entity;
2. There is reincarnation where a soul passes through different physical bodies as it is destined to
undergo what is deserve in accordance with Karma;
3. The Atman or the soul that is also Brahman;
4. The World we are living in is comprised of varied levels of existence;
5. The paths to salvation which are all similar to the other doctrines which evidently leads to the
same goal.

TAOISM
Taoism as the doctrine based on the philosophy of Lao Tzu says that
‘Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing the self is enlightenment.’ He stressed that understanding
 other requires force but mastering the self requires power that strength. For Lao Tzu, the world and
this life are good as there are the element guiding us to experience harmony thought the “Dao’.
The Taoists’ Bible called the Tao Te Ching gives and explains processes on
how to live a good life through the ‘Dao’ or the ‘Way’ of the World which is the path to happiness
and harmony Lao Tzu says that humans refuse to take the simple path and opt to go through that
which causes discord, confusion and suffering.
Lao Tzu teaches ‘stillness to the mind’ and to let go of all worries,
confusions and just experience the world. He pointed out that the nature was never in a hurry that
everything happens in its perfect time and its right schedule such as the blooming of flowers.
Emptying ourselves of the negative, confusing and worrisome thoughts we go back to what is
important in our lives. Lao Tzu said we need to “empty yourself of everything, let your mind
become still.” If we are too busy, too preoccupied with anxiety or ambition, we will miss a thousand
moments of the human experience that are our natural inheritance. We need to be awake to the way
light reflects off to ripples on a pond, the way other people look when they are laughing, the feeling
of the wind playing with our hair. These experiences reconnect us to parts of ourselves. And we
suddenly become in touch with our real selves and suddenly we recall how good we are on some
things and how we enjoy simple life pleasures like walking along the seashore.
Taoist’s principle reiterates how our ego distracts us in seeing out true self. There is a need to let go
to be self-determined, to be what you ought to be.
 Confucianism identifies personality as a product on one’s upbringing and environment. This shows that the individual is a social being
which makes us ‘social animals’. In this doctrine it is believed that every person is born with four beginnings which lead to the formation of a
‘self’. It includes the following components which are the perfection of virtues that is found innately in the heart of every human:
1. Heart of compassion;
2. Heart of righteousness;
3. Heart of propriety; and
The practice of the above virtues leads to the formation of the self. However, it should be understood that
the role of the family and community plays a vital role in the formation of the Self’. Confucius is very definite on the need for an individual to
do something and never be idle as this leads to the pursuit of the virtues. There is need to exert effort to achieve the real nature of the ‘self in the
argument of Confucius.

Readings
https://www.pinterest.com/khinen47/johari-window-technique
Understanding the Self Developing Life skills by: Ethel Magalona MAP,LPT, Evelyn Sadsad Phd. , Elline Cruz, MAED,LPT
Understanding the Self by: Ronald M. Corpuz, Ronan S. Estoque, Claudio V. Tabotabo

Activities ( will be done in our synchronous discussion )

Expound the value of the following statements:

1. “Knowing other is wisdom, knowing the self is enlightenment.”

 2. “We have to experience the world”
3. “Practice the virtues lead to the formation of the self”
4. “The reality of suffering and impermanence is the truth about this existence.”

Assessment

Directions: Write an essay of not less than 200 words for each of the following questions. Answer must be substantive.

1. Based on your observation and experiences, give three manifestations of individualistic culture among Filipinos, Explain each.

2. Based on your observation and experiences give three manifestation of collectivistic culture of Filipinos, Explain each.

Ariola, M. (2018). Understanding the self. Manila: Unlimited Books.

Brawner, D. & Arcega, A. (2018). Understanding the self. Quezon City: C & E
Publishing, Inc.
Magalona, E., Sadsad, E., & Cruz, E. (2018). Understanding the self:
Developing life skills. Manila:
Mindshapers, Co., Inc.
Understanding the Self by: Ronald M. Corpuz, Ronan S. Estoque, Claudio
V. Tabotabo