TH E S E L F IN O RIENTAL / EASTERN

THOUGHT

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 Western Self vs. non-western Self

Western Self Non-western self

 autonomous and egocentric  identity shared with others
and
derived from a culture instead of
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 Individualism vs. Collectivism

Collectivism
Individualism

 A human being has an  A human being is an integral

individualistic nature and is part of the universe and
society
the
anindependent part of the
 People are fundamentally
universe and the society
connected
 Duty towards all others is a very
important matter
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 Individualism
Being dependent
Individual rights take Independence is upon others is often
center stage highly valued considered shameful
or embarrassing

The rights of People often place a

People tend to be individuals tend to greater emphasis
self-reliant take a higher on standing out and
precedence being unique

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 Collectivis
Social rules focus on m
promoting selflessness Working as a group and
and putting the supporting others is
community needs ahead essential
of individual needs

People are encouraged Families and

to do what's best for communities have a
society central role

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 Asian Schools of Thought
1 Buddhism

2 Hinduism

3 Taoism

4 Confucianis
m
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 Buddhis
(Siddhartha Gautama)
m B
u
d
d
h
a

d
i
s
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o
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 Buddhis
m
(Siddhartha Gautama)
Buddha denies the self: no self, no individual

No-self is the nature of an intuitive and subjective

perception toward oneself beyond the ordinary range
of human experience that is full of the anxieties and
defensiveness
To study the self is to deny the self
When self becomes anxiety-free, one can act spontaneously

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 Buddhism
(Siddhartha Gautama)

Everything is impermanent in the continuous

becoming of lived experience

Implies emphasis on compassion for others and

conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense
of responsibility

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 Hinduism
(Fusion of various Indian cultures and traditions)

Hindus believe that an individual’s action

(karma) – the bad or good actions that
the individual performed in a previous
life determines his or her caste

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 Hinduism
(Fusion of various Indian cultures and traditions)

 In simple terms, the law of karma suggests

that a person's mental and physical actions
are binding
 The law of karma is very much verifiable in real
life
 We all have seen in our own lives, and
in nature too, that we reap what we
sow
 Our successes and failures are mostly
Understanding the Self products UNIT 1: The Self from Various Perspectives

of our own thoughts and actions

84
 Taoism
(Lao-
Tzu) Relativity of opposites (i.e., yin and yang)

Self does not exist without the existence of

the other

Self as a separate identity is supported by the equal

and opposite sensation of otherness

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 Confucianism
(Confucius)

The Self in Confucianism is the starting

point of a constructive process
For western philosophers, the concept of the self is the end
of their searches

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 Confucianism
(Confucius)
Who am I?

Confucianism

Where am I Who will I

from? be?
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 Confucianism
(Confucius)

It is only through the continuous opening up of

the self to others that the self can maintain
its wholesome personal identity

A person who is not responsive to others is self-centered

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 Confucianism
(Confucius)

Confucian self is relational and interdependent

Belief that certain sets of human relationships are basis for
moral community

Elder and Friend

Ruler and Father Husband
younger and
minister and son and wife
brother friend

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 Confucianism
(Confucius)
Filial piety is a foundational concept in the
of Confucius
thought
 to be good to one's parents
 to take care of one's parents
 to engage in good conduct not just towards parents but
also outside the home so as to bring a good name to one's
parents and ancestors
 to ensure male heirs
 display sorrow for their parents’ sickness and death
 to bury their parents and carry out sacrifices after their
death
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