Understanding The Self. Buddhism/ Taoism

western and eastern concept of the self

1. WESTERN AND EASTERN CONCEPT OF THE SELF BUDDHISM, HINDUISM, CONFUCIANISM, TAOISM

2. BUDDHISM Enlightenment through wisdom and ethics. 01. CONFUCIANISM Ethics, order, and respect. 03. 02. 04. TABLE OF CONTENTS HINDUISM Dharma, karma, and liberation. TAOSIM Harmony with nature and the Tao.

3. This is a map Buddhism Originated in India, spread to East and Southeast Asia . Hinduism Primarily in India and Nepal . Confucianism Originated in China , influenced Korea , Japan , and Vietnam . Taoism Originated in China , mainly practiced in China and Taiwan .

4. Estimated Global Population of each Sect Taoism 0.7% (12 million) Confucianism 0.3% (6 million) Hinduism 66% (1.2 billion) Buddhism 28% (500 million)

5. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it BUDDHISM 01

6. BUDDHISM WHAT IS BUDDHISM? - A spiritual tradition and philosophy focused on achieving enlightenment and ending suffering through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation. IS BUDDHISM A RELIGION? - Yes, but it is also considered a philosophy and way of life. It does not focus on worshiping a deity but on self-awareness , inner peace , and liberation from suffering. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT BUDDHISM? - Buddhism provides insights into mindfulness, compassion, and personal growth. It has influenced many cultures, shaping values, ethics, and meditation practices worldwide.

7. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it HISTORY OF BUDDHISM 01

8. HISTORY OF BUDDHISM Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (5th–4th century BCE) in India , who attained enlightenment and became the Buddha ("Awakened One"). Spread across Asia, influencing cultures in China , Japan , Tibet , and Southeast Asia . Despite challenges, Buddhism continues to thrive, influencing modern mindfulness, ethics, and psychology.

9. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it KEY POINTS FOR BUDDHISM 01

10. KEY POINTS FOR BUDDHISM Buddhism promotes self-awareness and mindfulness . It teaches followers to live in the present moment, cultivate inner peace, and develop wisdom through meditation and ethical living. The Four Noble Truths form the core of Buddhist teachings: (1) Life is suffering , (2) Suffering is caused by desire , (3) There is an end to suffering , and (4) The Eightfold Path leads to liberation . Compassion and non-attachment are core values. Buddhists strive to show kindness to all living beings while learning to detach from material desires and temporary emotions to achieve inner freedom.

11. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it HINDUISM 02

12. HINDUISM WHAT IS HINDUISM? - One of the world’s oldest religions, Hinduism is a complex belief system that blends spiritual , philosophical , and cultural traditions , emphasizing dharma ( duty ), karma ( action ), and moksha ( liberation ). IS HINDUISM A RELIGION? Yes, but it is also a way of life. Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no single founder or central authority. It embraces diverse beliefs, gods, and practices. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT HINDUISM? Hinduism has shaped Indian culture, art, philosophy, and traditions for thousands of years. Understanding it provides insight into concepts like yoga, meditation, and the idea of interconnectedness.

13. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it HISTORY OF HINDUISM 02

14. HISTORY OF HINDUISM Origins date back over 4,000 years in the Indus Valley Civilization , evolving from ancient Vedic traditions. Sacred texts include the Vedas , Upanishads , Bhagavad Gita , and Ramayana , which contain spiritual wisdom and moral teachings. Over time, Hinduism developed key philosophical schools, influencing Buddhism and Jainism. Despite changes over centuries, Hinduism remains a vibrant and evolving tradition practiced by millions worldwide.

15. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it KEY POINTS FOR HINDUISM 02

16. KEY POINTS FOR HINDUISM Hinduism believes in a supreme reality called Brahman . It manifests in various deities, including Brahma ( creator ), Vishnu ( preserver ), and Shiva ( destroyer ), among others. The concepts of karma, dharma, and moksha guide life. Good or bad actions ( karma ) affect one's future; dharma is a person’s duty based on their role in society; moksha is liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Hinduism embraces diverse spiritual practices. These include rituals, meditation , yoga , temple worship , and festivals like Diwali and Holi , which celebrate divine stories and cosmic principles.

17. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it CONFUCIANISM 03

18. CONFUCIANISM WHAT IS CONFUCIANISM? - A system of social and ethical philosophy that shapes values and institutions in Chinese society. IS CONFUCIANISM A RELIGION? - No, it is not a religion but a “ civil religion ” influencing social behaviors and relationships rather than spiritual beliefs . WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT CONFUCIANISM? - Confucianism provides a foundation for understanding Chinese culture , family, values, social order, and moral principles in everyday life.

19. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it HISTORY OF CONFUCIANISM 03

20. HISTORY OF CONFUCIANISM Founded by Confucius (5 th Century BCE) to restore social order, later became state ideology during the Han Dynasty Influenced social and philosophical reforms, blending Confucian , Taoist , and Buddhist ideas Despite criticism in modern China, Confucianism continues to impact social norms, education, and governance in East Asia

21. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it KEY POINTS FOR CONFUCIANISM 03

22. KEY POINTS FOR CONFUCIANISM Confucianism is primarily a social and ethical system , NOT a religion. It focuses on creating social stability by promoting values and ethical behaviors that shape institutions like family, school, and the state. Confucius viewed li (rituals) not just as religious ceremonies but as practices that embody wisdom, human culture, and social order. These rituals include everyday behaviors such as showing respect, politeness, and adhering to social norms, which help maintain harmony and structure in society. Confucianism places great importance on defined roles and mutual obligations in human relationships, starting from the family and extending to society. The belief is that personal moral development, such as practicing filial piety and being responsible in relationships, ultimately leads to a stable and harmonious society.

23. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it TAOSIM 04

24. TAOSIM WHAT IS TAOSIM? - Taoism (Daoism) is a Chinese philosophical and spiritual tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao ( the Way ), which represents the natural flow of the universe . IS TAOSIM A RELIGION? - Taoism can be both a philosophy and a religion . Some followers view it as a way of life focused on balance and simplicity, while others practice rituals, worship deities, and seek spiritual immortality. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO LEARN ABOUT TAOSIM? - Taoism teaches acceptance , peace , and living in harmony with nature . Its principles have influenced Chinese culture, medicine, martial arts, and meditation practices like Tai Chi and Qigong.

25. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it HISTORY OF TAOSIM 03

26. HISTORY OF TAOSIM Founded by Laozi (6th century BCE), Taoism originates from his teachings in the Tao Te Ching , a foundational text on balance and effortless action ( wu wei ). Taoism developed alongside Confucianism and Buddhism , blending spiritual and practical wisdom. During the Han Dynasty , Taoism became an organized religion, with temples, priests, and deities introduced. Modern Taoism continues to influence Eastern thought and lifestyle, focusing on nature, health, and meditation.

27. You can enter a subtitle here if you need it KEY POINTS FOR TAOSIM 03

28. KEY POINTS FOR TAOSIM The concept of the Tao ( the Way ) is central to Taoism. It represents the natural order of the universe, encouraging people to go with the flow rather than resist life's changes. Taoism values balance , simplicity , and harmony with nature. It teaches that opposites ( Yin and Yang ) complement each other, creating a dynamic balance in all aspects of life. Wu Wei ( effortless action ) is a core principle. It emphasizes doing things naturally and effortlessly, avoiding force or struggle, and allowing life to unfold smoothly.

29. CONCLUSION ASPECT BUDDHISM HINDUISM TAOSIM CONFUCIANISM Religion or Philosophy? Both Religion Both Philosophy Founder Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) No single founder No single founder Confucius Core Beliefs Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana Dharma, Karma, Moksha Tao (the Way), Yin-Yang, Wu Wei Social order, Morality, Rituals View on Gods Non-theistic, some Mahayana sects recognize deities Polytheistic Varies—some worship deities, others focus on nature No gods, focuses on ethics Ultimate Goal Nirvana (Enlightenment) Moksha Harmony with nature and Tao Social harmony and moral virtue Influence on Society Meditation, Mindfulness, Ethics Yoga, Rituals, Caste System (historically) Traditional Medicine, Martial Arts, Feng Shui Family values, Education, Governance

30. SHORT QUIZ