Eastren and Westren

[eyeofgames]

List some differnecs/simularitys you have seen between Eastren and Westren philosophy West:time is a line East:Time is a cycle

[AirRick101]

I wish I saw this topic months back, I'm a little rusty on analyzing them neck to neck. Western is more focused on religion and monotheism (like Christians and Catholics and Mormons), and Eastern is more oriented toward philosophy and perhaps some polytheism. (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism) Western religion usually believe in a holy deity and his evil counterpart, the devil. Eastern sages often have a parallel when they talk about the true self (God) which is covered up by the selfish results of the ego (the devil) Christianity often urges their believers to not be a victim to the world and its lusts, and to rely on God for satisfaction instead. A philosophy like Buddhism urges their students to be able to let go of as many attachments as possible, so that satisfaction in self can be attainted and maintained. The main difference is their terminology. Jesus and Buddha, if compared on their notes, often mirror each other very much. Western believers may often challenge Buddha by saying "He didn't declare himself God, Jesus did." But another spectacle of light is shed when the Bible can be interpreted in terms of self, God, and ego and devil. (Try looking up Yogananda's review of the scriptures) Christians regard their Christ in reference based upon what Old Testament prophecies have supposedly been fulfilled. But Eastern religions see it as a tie into their understanding of samsara, karma, and such. Western: Sin and kindess will find you out in the future. Eastern: Karma will compensate accordingly.

[dream-scape]

Originally posted by AirRick101 Christianity often urges their believers to not be a victim to the world and its lusts, and to rely on God for satisfaction instead. A philosophy like Buddhism urges their students to be able to let go of as many attachments as possible, so that satisfaction in self can be attainted and maintained. The main difference is their terminology. I don't quite agree on this point. Christianity and many other religions look to a higher power for the salvation of man. Buddhism says, look there and you will not get it; we must liberate ourselves. This is much more than a difference in terminology. But this is also much more than an Eastern v. Western difference. Numerous Eastern religions/philosophies also look to higher powers for salvation.

[eyeofgames]

east:How to end suffering is most important west:What is the meaning of life is most important

[irishcream]

This is an interesting topic. I don't claim to believe in anything in particular, but just by reading those two statements on eastern philosophy, that seems to be my leaning...