A clear and easy-to-digest overview of Eastern philosophy
Eastern philosophy has fascinated and influenced people around the globe for ages. Its intriguing (and sometimes paradoxical) teachings have been passed down through the centuries and still shape beliefs, values, and lifestyles today.
In this guide, we’ll dive into its major philosophies and schools, explore influential figures, and uncover key ideas that have stood the test of time. We'll also take a brief look at how you can apply some of these ideas to your everyday life.
What is Eastern philosophy in a nutshell?
Eastern philosophy covers many philosophies that started in the Eastern hemisphere. Primarily in countries like China, India, Korea, and Japan. The main ideas of Eastern philosophy focus on finding harmony with yourself, others, and nature. And it promotes self-reflection, inner exploration, and hands-on experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the world.
5 major Eastern philosophies
In this section, we'll look at five major philosophies that have emerged from the East.
Each of these philosophies offers unique insights into life, ethics, and the nature of existence. They provide different paths for understanding ourselves, building relationships, and connecting with the world around us.
By exploring these philosophies, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people have looked for meaning and harmony in their lives.
Let's dive in:
Vietnamese philosophy
Vietnamese philosophy is a fascinating mix of Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist influences. Each of these traditions has played a role in shaping the values and beliefs of Vietnamese society.
- Confucianism highlights the importance of family and social harmony, encouraging people to care for each other and work together for the common good.
- Buddhism teaches compassion, mindfulness, and the value of inner peace, helping people find balance in their lives.
- Daoism emphasizes living in harmony with nature and understanding the natural flow of life.
Zhenya Zerkalenkov
In Vietnamese culture, these elements come together to build a strong sense of community. Festivals and family gatherings are key to social life, encouraging unity and shared values. The focus on harmony in relationships promotes cooperation and support among people, fostering a deep respect for how everyone and nature are connected. This blend of philosophies guides daily practices and interactions, making community well-being a big priority in Vietnamese life.
Here are a few key figures in Vietnamese philosophy:
A well-known 16th-century Vietnamese philosopher, poet, and prophet, celebrated for blending Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist ideas. His influential work, "The Book of Predictions," offers insights into morality, governance, and existence, shaping Vietnam's philosophical thought and cultural identity. Emphasizes harmony and kindness. | |
A contemporary Buddhist monk, author, and peace activist who inspired millions to embrace mindfulness, compassion, and nonviolence. His writings on engaged Buddhism and interbeing connect Eastern philosophy with modern issues like social justice, climate change, and personal well-being. | |
A prominent 18th-century Confucian scholar and governmental reformer who modernized Vietnam's education system, political structure, and moral teachings. He emphasized self-cultivation, social responsibility, and intellectual integrity in his works. |
Japanese philosophy
Japanese philosophy has been greatly shaped by its geography and interactions with other cultures. The mix of homegrown Shinto beliefs, Buddhist ideas, and Confucian ethics has influenced the country’s values and traditions.
- Shintoism is Japan's native religion and philosophical system that focuses on honoring nature, spirits, ancestors, and rituals. It promotes harmony with oneself, others, the community, and the universe.
- Zen Buddhism emphasizes mindfulness meditation as a way to achieve enlightenment and inner peace. Zen teachings shape many parts of Japanese culture—like zen gardens, tea ceremonies, flower arrangements—that aim at cultivating awareness and appreciation for beauty in everyday life.
- Confucius' ideas about moral behavior are also widely practiced and valued in Japan, especially in terms of family relationships, education, etiquette, and social harmony.
In Japanese culture, this mix of philosophical influences creates a genuine appreciation for nature, beauty, and community. Traditional practices like tea ceremonies and flower arranging (Ikebana 活け花) highlight mindfulness and harmony. Helping people connect with the present. The emphasis on respecting nature and honoring ancestral spirits encourages a sense of reverence for the environment. And inspires everyone to live in harmony with the world around them.
Zhenya Zerkalenkov
These beliefs encourage collaboration and support in communities. They highlight the importance of social harmony and good behavior in daily interactions. In the end, they help shape a society that values collective well-being and cultural continuity.
Here are a few important figures in Japanese philosophy:
A 20th-century Buddhist philosopher who introduced Zen to the West. His teachings on mindfulness and spiritual enlightenment continue to influence thinkers like Carl Jung. | |
An 8th-century Japanese monk, scholar, and poet who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. He is known for promoting inner wisdom and compassion to connect humans and gods. | |
A 20th-century Japanese philosopher and founder of the Kyoto School, exploring reality, consciousness, and self-awareness. He is considered one of Japan's most impactful thinkers. |
Chinese philosophy
Chinese philosophy has a rich history and diverse schools of thought. Each contributing to shaping the country's culture. It's influenced by Daoist beliefs and practices, Confucian principles, and Buddhist teachings.
- Daoism also focuses embracing simplicity, spontaneity, and letting go of material desires. Daoists use practices like Qi Gong (气功) and Tai Chi (taijiquan 太极拳) help cultivate inner energy and balance.
- Confucianism's emphasis on education as a path for personal growth is a big part of Chinese culture. Many traditional values (e.g., loyalty, respecting elders, hard work, and teamwork) come from Confucian teachings.
- Buddhism, which made its way to China in the 1st century CE, has become a key philosophical tradition. Its focus on finding enlightenment through meditation, compassion, and inner peace has influenced various parts of Chinese culture. Including martial arts (wushu 武术), acupuncture (zhenjiu 针灸), and traditional Chinese medicine (zhongyi 中医).
Here are a few key figures in Chinese philosophy you might find interesting:
A prominent Ming dynasty philosopher who introduced the concept of "innate knowledge," suggesting that everyone has an instinctive sense of right and wrong. He believed that true knowledge stems from personal experiences and that moral actions naturally arise from this understanding, emphasizing the link between thinking and doing. | |
A Song dynasty philosopher known for merging Confucianism with Buddhist and Daoist ideas, which led to Neo-Confucianism. His teachings emphasize self-improvement, moral integrity, and balancing personal desires with social responsibilities. | |
An influential thinker who founded Mohism, challenging Confucian values by promoting universal love and utilitarianism. Mozi focused on actions for the greater good and practical solutions to social problems rather than adhering to rituals or traditions. |
Korean philosophy
Korean philosophy has been greatly influenced by its neighbors, China and Japan. It's been shaped by a mix of ancient Shamanism, Confucian teachings, Buddhist practices, and some more modern ideas.
- Shamanism highlights the role of spirits (alive or dead) in daily lives. People use its rituals to heal diseases, bring luck, and connect with ancestors and gods.
- Korean Neo-Confucianism emphasizes social order—based on hierarchical relationships between family members—and moral behavior as ways to achieve peace and prosperity.
- Buddhism has also left a lasting impression on Korean culture. You can see its influence in many temples across the country, with their unique architecture and respected Buddha statues. Practices like meditation, bowing, and chanting help people find inner peace and wisdom.
In Korean culture, these philosophical influences come together to create a strong sense of community and interconnectedness.
Family gatherings and traditional celebrations play a big role in social life, helping to reinforce bonds and shared values among people. And the focus on harmony in relationships encourages cooperation and support for one another, showing deep respect for both community members and nature.
This rich blend of beliefs shapes everyday practices and interactions. Which creates an environment where collective well-being is valued and prioritized in all aspects of Korean life.
Here are a few notable figures in Korean philosophy:
He was a 16th-century philosopher and politician who founded the School of Neo-Confucianism. His works focused on moral development through self-cultivation, education, and ethical behavior in society. | |
He was a 7th-century monk known as one of the key influencers in Korean Buddhism. His teachings focused on finding enlightenment within oneself instead of depending on outside factors or rituals. | |
He was a 20th-century Zen Buddhist monk who helped bring Korean Buddhism back to life. His teachings focused on meditation to reach enlightenment and find inner peace. Seongcheol also encouraged social activism and universal compassion as ways to build a more harmonious society. |
Indian philosophy
Indian philosophy is a vibrant mix of ideas that covers a variety of systems and beliefs. Often addressing the spiritual and existential questions we all have about life.
You can basically break it down into two main schools:
- Orthodox (āstika) philosophies, which accept the authority of the Vedas
- Heterodox (nāstika) philosophies, which do not
Among the orthodox systems are, for example:
- Vedanta, which underscores the nature of reality and the self, exploring the relationships between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Samkhya and Yoga philosophies, on the other hand, articulate the dualism between consciousness and matter, providing practical frameworks for attaining self-realization and liberation (moksha).
The heterodox schools include, for example:
- Buddhism, which teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a help to overcome suffering.
- Jainism, which emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), and asceticism as ways to liberation.
The wisdom of these traditions deeply resonates in Indian culture, shaping everything from ethics and politics to arts and sciences. For example: the concept of karma and reincarnation plays a significant role in the way people perceive life and death. And yogic practices (e.g., meditation and breathing exercises), are popular ways to maintain physical health and spiritual well-being.
Here are a few notable names in Indian philosophy:
He was an 8th-century philosopher and theologian who breathed new life into Hinduism. Bringing together its various beliefs and practices under the Advaita (non-dualistic) Vedanta school. His teachings emphasize self-realization and grasping the true nature of reality as a path to liberation. | |
He was a 11th-century philosopher and theologian who helped shape the Bhakti movement in Hinduism. His teachings revolve around devotion to God and self-surrender as means for reaching salvation. | |
He was a philosopher from the 6th century BCE and the founder of Jainism. His teachings focus on ideas like ahimsa, karma, and how important asceticism is for reaching spiritual freedom. |
Philosophy has had a big impact on shaping cultures around the globe, influencing beliefs, values, and practices. While each culture has its own unique philosophies and perspectives, they all share a common goal: to figure out the meaning of life and our place in it.
By exploring these diverse philosophical ideas, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and the world. Leading to personal growth, social harmony, and a stronger connection to our shared humanity.
4 major schools of Eastern philosophy
To get a better grasp of the wide world of Eastern philosophy, here are 4 key schools that have influenced cultures and people for centuries:
Daoism
Daoism (or Taoism in Wade-Giles) is an ancient Chinese philosophy.
At its core, Daoism embodies the idea of living in harmony with the Dao – a force that surrounds us and represents the natural way of the universe. Daoism encourages following a path of non-resistance, simplicity, and spontaneous action.
Some key concepts in Daoism are:
The Way (dao 道)
Dao is often translated as "the way" or "the path." It represents a natural and harmonious way of living in sync with the universe, highlighting the importance of balance, flow, and change.
Yin Yang (阴阳)
The concept of yin and yang is one of the best-known symbols from Chinese philosophy. It represents the idea that everything in the universe exists as a balance between two complementary forces, (e.g., light/dark, hot/cold, masculine/feminine, etc.).
Non-action (wuwei 无为)
A key idea in Daoism, Wu Wei is all about effortless action and going with the flow of nature. It’s about aligning with life's natural rhythms instead of trying to force things to happen. This philosophy highlights the importance of spontaneity and simplicity, suggesting that real strength comes from going with the flow rather than pushing back.
Generally, there are two main branches in Daoism:
- Philosophical Daoism (daojia 道家): Philosophical Daoism is anchored in the texts of the Daodejing and Zhuangzi. It's about thinking and understanding the world.
- Religious Daoism (daojiao 道教): Religious Daoism is a more organized and ritualistic tradition. With temples, priests, and doctrines. It's more about beliefs and rituals.
Each branch has its way of understanding and doing things. But even though spiritual and philosophical Daoism are different, both branches are all about going with the flow of the universe.
Zhenya Zerkalenkov
Hinduism
Hinduism is a vibrant spiritual tradition that comes from India.
It's a belief system that sees everything in the world as connected. Hinduists believe in a universal spirit (brahman) that's everywhere. And that individual souls (atman) are just different parts of this universal spirit. In Hinduism, the ultimate goal is for the individual soul to unite with the universal spirit (moksha). It's like the soul finding its true home.
Some key concepts are:
Karma
Karma refers to the idea that our actions have consequences. And everything we do will come back to us in some way. It's about cause and effect in life.
Dharma
Dharma is a complex concept, but it basically means living in alignment with your true purpose or duty. Each person has their unique dharma. And following it leads to a fulfilling life.
Reincarnation (samsara)
Hinduism believes in the cycle of death and rebirth until the soul reaches enlightenment or moksha. The quality of one's next life depends on their karma from past lives.
Hinduism has a bunch of different paths, each highlighting various aspects of the belief system. But they all share the same goal: finding spiritual liberation.
Here are some schools of thought within Hindu philosophy:
Samkhya
This ancient philosophical school takes a dualistic look at reality, separating consciousness (purusha) from matter (prakriti).
It aims to explore the nature of existence by examining how the mind interacts with the physical world. Ultimately helping practitioners find liberation through knowledge and insight.
Vedanta
Drawing from the ancient texts called the Vedas, Vedanta is a philosophical approach that explores the nature of reality and consciousness through self-exploration and reflection.
It suggests that true enlightenment comes from recognizing our deep connection with the divine and moving beyond our ego-driven identity.
Nyaya
This branch of Hindu philosophy focuses on logic, reasoning, and how to gain true knowledge. It explains that by understanding reality as it really is, we can overcome ignorance and ultimately find liberation.
Yoga
While many people in the West think of yoga just as a physical workout, it’s actually a key part of Hindu philosophy too.
The goal of yoga is to go beyond the limits and distractions of the mind and body through meditation, physical poses, breathing exercises, and ethical principles.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a spiritual tradition originating from India. It's based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).
The core idea of Buddhism is to gain a deeper understanding of reality (enlightenment) by recognizing and putting an end to suffering. Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to help them on this journey.
Some key concepts are:
Impermanence (Anicca)
Everything in life is changing all the time. Nothing stays the same forever.
Suffering (Dukkha)
In Buddhism, suffering is seen as a natural part of life. It's the result of our attachments and desires.
Non-self (Anatta)
The idea that there is no fixed self or soul. Instead, everything is impermanent and interconnected.
Buddhism also has various school branches. The most well-known are:
Mahayana
This branch offers a wider take on Buddhist teachings. It focuses more on compassion and helping others achieve enlightenment. It includes different sub-schools like Chan, Zen, Pure Land, and Tibetan Buddhism.
Theravada
It's often seen as the more traditional style of Buddhism. Theravada highlights the Buddha's original teachings and puts a big emphasis on personal effort and meditation.
Vajrayana (Tantric)
Vajrayana is a more advanced version of Mahayana that incorporates rituals, mantras, visualizations, and energy practices to reach enlightenment in just one lifetime. It's especially popular in Tibet and other Himalayan areas.
All these different branches show how adaptable Buddhism is. And even though they may have different practices and beliefs, they all share the same goal: to reach enlightenment and end suffering.
Confucianism
Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system that comes from China, rooted in the teachings of Confucius.
The main idea of Confucianism is to be the best version of oneself by focusing on being good and kind. It puts a strong focus on practicing important qualities like:
- Being smart
- Staying loyal
- Behaving properly
- Being nice to others
- Doing the right things
It also highlights social harmony, family values, and respect for authority. Teaching people to fulfill their societal roles with integrity and honor.
To achieve this goal, Confucianists follow the Five Constant Virtues:
- Benevolence (Ren 仁): Being kind, compassionate, and morally upright.
- Righteousness (Yi 义): Doing what is right and just.
- Knowledge (Zhi 智): Being wise and seeking knowledge.
- Integrity (Xin 信): Being truthful and upholding promises.
- Propriety (Li 礼): Acting in accordance with social norms and customs.
Confucianism isn't as neatly categorized into separate schools like some other philosophical traditions. But it still had its fair share of variations and adaptations over time. Here are a few of the main schools or interpretations:
Xunzi school
It was founded by Xunzi, who was another disciple of Confucius. This school of thought believes that human nature is naturally bad, so it takes cultivation and discipline to stick to Confucian virtues.
Mencius school
This school was started by Mencius, a student of Confucius. He believed that people are naturally good. And encourages everyone to nurture their innate goodness and follow what their hearts truly want.
Neo-Confucianism
This mix of teachings from Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism was popular during the Song dynasty in China. Neo-Confucianists focused more on personal growth and inner development to create harmony and balance in society.
5 influential philosophers of the East
There are plenty of influential Eastern philosophers and thinkers whose ideas have shaped their cultures. Here are a few of them:
- Siddhartha Gautama ("the" Buddha): Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, is the founder of Buddhism and considered one of the most influential figures in Eastern philosophy. His teachings on suffering, impermanence, and enlightenment have had a profound impact on millions of people around the world.
- Confucius: Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas are at the core of Confucianism. He emphasized ethical behavior, social harmony, and respect for authority as key elements for creating a virtuous society.
- Nagarjuna: Nagarjuna was an Indian philosopher and monk who played a crucial role in developing the Mahayana branch of Buddhism. His teachings on emptiness and dependent origination helped shape the understanding of reality and liberation within Buddhism.
- Zhuangzi: He was a Chinese philosopher and one of the key figures in Daoism. His writings, including the famous "Zhuangzi", explore concepts such as relativism, spontaneity, and harmony with nature. And they continue to influence Eastern thought today.
- Laozi: He was the legendary founder of Daoism, a philosophical tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with nature and going with the flow rather than resisting it. He taught that by letting go of our desires and attachments, we can achieve inner peace and happiness.
These are only a few examples. But these philosophers have made a big impact on Eastern philosophy. And they still inspire people looking for inner peace, wisdom, and enlightenment.
Key ideas in Eastern philosophies
Every school of Eastern philosophy has its own set of principles and practices. But some big ideas are common to all of them.
Here are some key ideas that unite Eastern philosophies:
- Keeping life simple and being spontaneous
- Finding harmony with nature and the universe
- Living mindfully and being present in the moment
- Welcoming change and the idea that nothing lasts forever
- Recognizing how all beings and the universe are connected
- Letting go of attachments and desires to achieve inner peace
- Cultivating self-awareness and understanding of one's true self
- Appreciating qualities like kindness, respect, humility, and generosity
Eastern philosophies remind us to take a moment to look inward for guidance and answers. And they encourage us to find harmony with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Zhenya Zerkalenkov
The role of Eastern philosophy in modern daily life
Even with the fast pace of modern life, Eastern philosophy still matters and gives us valuable insights. In our hectic, material-driven world, these philosophies can help us find balance and perspective. Because they go beyond just philosophical talks and ancient texts. They offer real-life tools for dealing with stress, finding inner peace, and living a more fulfilling life.
Here are some easy ways to bring Eastern philosophy into your everyday life:
- Building gratitude and compassion for others can boost your relationships and overall well-being.
- Practicing mindfulness with meditation or other techniques can help reduce stress and boost self-awareness.
- Accepting change as a normal part of life rather than resisting it can help you become more adaptable and resilient.
- Embracing simplicity by clearing out your physical space and practicing minimalism can help focus on what really matters.
- Taking time for self-reflection can help you get to know yourself better, understand your motivations, and discover your true purpose.
- Challenging your desires and attachments by thinking about what really makes you happy, and letting go of things you don't need, can lead to inner peace.
Incorporating these practices into our daily lives can help us live a more meaningful life with less stress and greater contentment. That’s the beauty of Eastern philosophy—it offers practical guidance for living a fulfilling life in today's world. Eastern philosophies also fit perfectly with our growing need for a balanced and harmonious existence. That's why we can help build a kinder, interconnected, and mindful community by weaving Eastern philosophy into our society.
So why not take a page from the books of these ancient philosophers and see how their teachings can positively impact your life?
If you're interested in learning more about Eastern philosophy, here are some books and resources you can explore:
- "The Analects" by Confucius: A collection of sayings and teachings from the Chinese philosopher, Confucius.
- "Daodejing" by Laozi: An ancient Chinese text that shares the basic teachings of Daoism.
- "The Dhammapada" by Buddha: A collection of sayings and teachings from the Buddha, organized into thematic chapters.
- "The Way of Zen" by Alan Watts: A classic book that familiarizes you with the basic ideas and practices of Zen Buddhism.
These are just a few suggestions. Of course, there are countless other books, articles, and resources available.
So go ahead, take what resonates with you, and continue your journey of self-discovery and growth. Explore the philosophy of the East and discover how it can bring positive changes to your life.
But don’t just follow it without thinking. Take some time to reflect and tweak these teachings to fit your own needs.
Because Eastern philosophy is not about finding absolute truths or doctrines. It's about a path towards self-awareness and inner peace.
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