7 Western and Eastern Concept of the Self.pptx

Western ideologies typically define "the self" as an individual entity separate from that of others. Eastern ideologies, or Oriental thought, posit that "the self" is an illusion, and that we are all interconnected. In Hinduism, "the self" is described by the relationship between Brahman and Atman.

1. Perspective

2. Western Self as Analytic The Western way of thinking is analytic-deductive with emphasis on the causal links ( part-to-whole relationships). The whole is understood when differentiated into parts. One must categorize and make distinctions to pursue cause.

3. Western Self as Monotheistic The belief in one Supreme Being coexisting with the universe condenses the supernatural and human capabilities into bipolarity of both qualities of existence (e.g. beautiful/ugly; kind/cruel ; sacred/profane; strong/weak; etc.) and categories of identity of experience (e.g. God/Satan ; body/soul; love/lust; sinner/saint; etc .)

4. Western Self as Individualistic The Western concept of individual freedom is seen as a double-edged sword. Coexistence of favorable and unfavorable conditions inherent in personal freedom. Although the right to individual freedom provides opportunities for self-fulfillment , it also increases the likelihood of experiencing alienation and frustration. Deeply aware of itself, its uniqueness, sense of direction, purpose, volition, motivation and free will . “ An entity distinct from other selves and all other entities .” This implies that the self belongs to the individual and to no other . The self is the measure of all things , that is, the source of all reflections.

5. Western Self as Materialistic and Rationalistic The Western way of thinking is focused on material “things” Favors a rational-empirical approach over magical and superstitious explanation of immaterial “things”.

6. Hinduism Believe that ATMAN being an immortal soul continues to be reincarnated from lifetime to lifetime until it is freed from cycle of rebirth and reach a state of nirvana or non-birth. Human suffering is the result of failure to realize the distinction between the true self ( permanent and unchanging) and the non - true self (impermanent and changes continually ).

7. All actions are subjected to karma. Individual actions will lead to either good or bad outcomes in one’s life. People get exactly what they deserve. If you do good things, you will be rewarded . If you do bad things, you will be punished. The individual is the only one responsible for the consequences of his or her actions. Does not end with a body’s death, so its influence may extend through incarnation of the soul.

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