LESSON 5:THE SELF IN WESTERN & EASTERN THOUGHTS

Dr. Jona Addatu, RGC

“One ship sails east and another sail west with the same self–
wind that blows, it’s the set of the sail and not the gale that
determines the way we go. As the winds of the sea are the
ways of fate. As we voyage along through life, it’s the act of
the soul that determines the goal and not the calmness of the
strife.”- Ella Wilcox

As you personally introspect on the question “Who am I?”

you might have considered acquiescing on how various
disciplines view this question or you might find yourself
groping for more plausible thoughts about it. As you become
more fascinated, you may even possibly think of viewing it
through the eyes of others; to look at how the great civilizations of the world – the East and
the West - have attempted to answer the same question.

The Eastern world comprises nations in Asia while the Western world consists of countries that
are geographically located in Europe and North America. The perceived dichotomy between the
East and the West is not only geographical but more cultural as it encompasses differences in
terms of beliefs and modes of thinking, values, and ways of life. Divergences between the two are
apparent even in terms of understanding concepts like truth, justice, and the self.

INDIVIDUALISTIC VERSUS COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS

It’s the first day of the class and everyone is excited to get to know everybody. John Doe was
asked by the teacher to start introducing himself in the group and he responded by saying, “I
am John Doe, a clever basketball player, and a trainer. I used to live in Toronto but I moved
in here for new experiences. Aside from the fact that I enjoy dancing, I also find fulfillment in
basketball coaching. In fact, I am one of the most amateur coaches in basketball in our
village”. Juan Dela Cruz on the other hand, who was asked to do the same started his self-
introduction by exclaiming, “I am Juan Dela Cruz, a full-blooded Ilocano. I am the youngest
in a brood of five; I also love playing basketball and am an avid fan of the Toronto Raptors”.

If you’re in the same class as the characters above, how would you present yourself in the
group? Would you be like John Doe whose sense of individualism is unquestionable? Or
would you introduce yourself akin to that Juan Dela Cruz, who obviously sees himself in
interdependence with others?

The scenario captures individualistic and collectivistic orientations toward the self which are
espoused by the Western and Eastern worldviews respectively. The individualistic
perspective views the self as independent of others; it is a separate, autonomous, and distinct
entity. Like John Doe, individualists when asked to talk about themselves would prefer to
express their unique inner attributes, abilities, personal preferences, and achievements.
Individualistic thought recognizes individual differences; it tends to prize autonomy over
collective wisdom and effort where the individual is regarded as a self-made whose success
and happiness do not necessarily depend on others, not even on society in general. On the
other hand, in collectivistic thought, all things are seen as interdependent and inseparable
parts and parcels of the larger social world. One of the most distinguishing hallmarks of the
Eastern worldview is the awareness of unity and mutual interrelation of all things and events
in life.

The fundamental relatedness of the self to others is accentuated and people construe
themselves and ascribe meaning to their personhood by emphasizing their social roles, group
memberships, or personal relations with their significant others. Collectivists recognize that
their identity and self-esteem are wrapped up in their group and so they would more likely
value promoting group harmony and cohesion, belonging, and fitting in.

Collectivistic thought underscores that relationships with others in specific contexts are the
primordial consideration in defining the self.

EASTERN AND WESTERN THOUGHTS

Western Eastern
(Greek and Judeo-Christian (Classical Indian and Chinese
Traditions) Philosophies)
Individualism/Fragmentary/Dualistic: A Collectivism/Wholistic:
human being has an individualistic nature and A human being is an integral part of the
is an independent part of the universe and universe and society. People are fundamentally
society. More focused on the individual events connected. all events in the universe are
and the role of the person. Emphasis is on the interconnected (Systematic Approach).
“I”. Emphasis is on the “WE”.
Outer-world dependent: Searching outside Inner-world dependent: Searching inside
yourself – through research and analysis yourself – through meditation and right living

Science/evidence-based culture: What Evidence is meaningless; the truth is given and

can be proven/measured is deemed the truth does not have to be proven

Man is an element of the Divine Man is a part of the cosmic unity

Life is a service (to God, money, business, Life is a journey towards eternal realities
etc.) outside the world
The journey of mankind is linear; everything The journey of mankind is cyclical: perception
has its beginning and end. of eternal recurrence (life after death,
reincarnation)
Action is not necessarily a translation of the The action is the extension of the mind.
mind.
The concept of “Me”: the true “me” is a part of Me- to be discovered by liberating from the
the Divine that need not become apparent: it is false “me” – attachment to the material things
given, does not have to be cognizable
Construction of the Self in the Western Perspective

The Western worldview underscores the importance of the parts rather than the whole. It
suggests a fragmentary approach to understanding phenomena as it does not subscribe to a
holistic view of reality. As such, all aspects of life are explored and analyzed not as a whole but
as separate parts.

Even the self is purported to be investigated and viewed as a highly compartmentalized entity.
Western Thought maintains the individual as a separate, self-contained individual, whose sense
of self-worth is focused on internal attributes (ability, intelligence, personality, goals,
preferences, rights). Since the West values individuality and freedom, the self as an independent
individual is given preference over the others. It does not, however, discredit the role of the
environment and society in the development of the self, but its focus is always looking toward
the self. The personal achievements of the self over the others for instance are highlighted, thus

Westerners tend to compare themselves to the rest of the group to be better. Their self-esteem
can in fact be verified and confirmed through social comparison. But they can set out their own
goals regardless of whether these goals conform to society’s shared goals. Moreover, individual
needs and wants are given more importance as they put primacy on developing themselves.

From this standpoint, equality is accorded to every individual self who is regarded as an
independent being that has an inalienable right to life and personal development. Individual
rights are recognized and given prominence over duties as it is only through this that the
society at large attains progress and civilization.

The self, according to Western theories was comprehensively discussed in the preceding
topics. For us to fully appreciate the self and make an objective synthesis about it, we shall,
in particular, take a brief look at how it is explained based on Eastern theories. We will be
examining how the self was explained by the major philosophies of the East – Hinduism,
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. We shall likewise explore the indigenous
conceptualization of the self, based on Filipino culture.

The Self as Embedded in the Oriental Thoughts

Understanding the propositions of the East regarding the self entails a paradigm shift of
Western views. While its western counterpart highlights the importance of individualism,
eastern thought values unity and harmony and being part of the greater whole, where
everything is believed to be connected and interdependent with others and nature. The Eastern
perspective does not see any distinction in all the things in the world; everyone is
interconnected thus, the other person is deemed part of yourself.

The self, through this holistic view, is considered a relational being whose very existence is
defined by his being blended harmoniously with the other selves, all things, and events. The
self is fundamentally connected with the other selves and is an integral part of the universe
and society. In this web of interdependency, harmony is the key. One’s conformity with
shared norms and values is very important.
Consequently, the self must place duties over rights. Individual goals are manifested and find
fulfillment in society’s shared goals. It is crucial for the self to participate in creating harmony,
and to avoid criticism, ridicule, and rejection to gain approval and acceptance.

The Self in Hinduism

The self is Atman (a Hindu word that means 'soul or spirit”). Essentially, it refers to the real
person inside an individual or the innermost essence of the self whose destiny is to be Brahma
(Hindu one, true, and ultimate God) in Nirvana (a place of perfect peace and happiness, like
heaven). Attachment of the self to the material world (Maya/illusion) leads to suffering (samsara-
the cycle of birth and rebirth or reincarnation). Reincarnation of the self is a form of suffering
because the self keeps coming back to the material world thinking that it is its real destiny. The
self has to liberate itself from this ignorance by cultivating an authentic knowledge (self-
realization) that the self has is NOT MAYA but ATMAN. When the self has been thoroughly
cleansed from its illusions, the self is filled with a sense of well-being, and at death, its soul is
liberated from endless rebirths (reincarnation) and joins the universal spirit Brahma and becomes
one with Brahma.

The Self in Buddhism

The doctrine of non-self or annata dictates that the self is subject to the law of changes.
Everything, including the self, is always in constant change born, grows, and dies. The self is
composed of five aggregates (Sanskrit: skandha) the five elements that sum up the whole
of an individual’s mental and physical existence. They are: matter, or body (Sanskrit: rupa),
sensations, or feelings (Sanskrit: vedana), perceptions (Sanskrit: samjna), mental construct
(Sanskrit: samskara), and awareness or consciousness (Sanskrit: vijnana).

Each aggregate is transitory in nature. That is why there is no such thing as a permanent self.
Buddhism discards the existence of the self. The idea of the self is illusory. This false belief
yields harmful thoughts of selfish desire, “me-and-mine” mentality, craving, attachment, ill-
will, hatred, conceit, pride, egoism, and any other defilements and social problems. It is the
source of all troubles in societies.

The goal of the self is to attain enlightenment by freeing oneself from ignorance that causes
suffering. To eliminate ignorance and attain enlightenment, the self should:
1. Know the four noble truths that first, there is suffering in this world; second, the
cause of suffering is craving for self-identity as if it is permanent; third, there is a way
out of this bondage of suffering; and lastly, the way to get out of suffering is by
practicing the eightfold path which are: Right Understanding, Right Thought,
Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness,
and Right Concentration.

The Self in Confucianism

The self is a moral and social being. Confucius was essentially concerned with what made a
good life. Good life depends on order, and order depends on good and just government. If a
ruler lives and governs virtuously, virtuous people would obey him. Virtue consists of correct
behavior, such as benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and loyalty.
These virtues must guide human relations, namely, (a) between ruler and people; 40 (b) between
parents and children; (c) between husband and wife; (d) between elder brother and younger
brother; and (e) between friends and friends. A true self is a noble man possesses all the virtues,
and this noble man is called the man of JEN or JUNZI (noble man).

The self is a dot in the universe and being a part of nature, the self must live in accordance with
the law of nature that rules and directs the movements of all things. The highest achievement
of every human being is being a wise person. As a wise person, his highest achievement is an
affinity with the universe. The happiness of the self is found in the self’s conformity with
nature.

Confucius advocated the active role of man in relation to creating oneness with nature. Since
the self is the master of nature, his duty is to actively harmonize himself with nature by
translating the innate law of nature into action.

The Self in Taoism

As a philosophy, Taoism advocates what is natural and spontaneous, simple, and necessary.
Taoism derived its name from its central idea, Tao or the Way of nature. Taoism, just like
Confucianism aimed at humanity’s oneness with nature. But Taoism contradicted
Confucianism as regards how oneness shall be achieved. Taoism considers the self as merely
one of the many elements of the natural world. Tao is an indescribable force that governs
nature. The self must bring himself in harmony with Tao by practicing the three great virtues:
humility, frugality, and contentment. The self should not strive for learning, riches, and power;
the self should find last thing happiness by being, quiet, thoughtful, and humble. In other
words to be able to harmonize, the self must practice the WU-WIE or the non-interference
with the natural courses of events. Most of the problems in the world are caused by the self’s
active participation in creating harmony with nature. Too much involvement of the self in
nature can lead to destruction.

Filipino Concept of the Self

Do Filipinos have their own concept of the self? Who is a Filipino? Most of our worldviews
are in common with other oriental thoughts. But some neighboring countries often consider
the Filipino as the most westernized person because of the captive or colonial consciousness
that has long been imbued in us. A Filipino is also multilayered because of foreign influences,
such as those of India, Indonesia, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American which are
embedded in our culture. So how do we define a Filipino as a self?

Our understanding of the Filipino as a self must be based on the concepts of PAGKATAO and
LOOB. Pagkatao or humanities indicates the fact that a Filipino is a human being just like
anyone else. The concept of loob is exemplified by the Filipino holistic worldview and
interiority (human heartedness) (Mercado, 1974).
With this non-dualistic worldview, the self is seen as a body-soul embodiment. Life is not seen as
compartmentalized, the present is the continuation of the past, and this continuity moves in a
cyclic manner that has no beginning and no end (Gulong ng Palad). A Filipino does not
distinguish the subject from the object, the person from feelings. A harmonious relationship is of
prime importance; this is maintained by the value of sensitivity. Interiority pertains to love, mercy,
charity, clemency, and leniency.

This human heartedness is mirrored in the Filipino concepts of kagandahangloob,

kabutihangloob, kalooban, which somehow depict our interdependency with others. They
slow the social dimension of the self, sharing of the self with others in values of pakikisama,
camaraderie, hospitality, utang-na-loob, bayanihan spirit, family-centeredness, meal-
centeredness, etc.

The self, therefore, is a relational being, who thinks, acts, behaves, and decides always in
accordance with his being with others.