gened 1025: happiness unit 2 study guides

Key Concepts and Foundations

• Dharma represents the cosmic order, moral law, and duty that governs individual conduct in Hinduism
• Karma is the principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual influence their future
  • Accumulated karma determines the nature of one's reincarnation in the next life (samsara)
• Moksha signifies liberation from the cycle of rebirth and the ultimate goal of spiritual practice
• Atman refers to the eternal, unchanging self or soul that is distinct from the physical body and mind
• Brahman is the ultimate reality, the divine ground of being from which all reality emerges
• Yin and yang symbolize the complementary forces of nature in Daoism (dark/light, female/male, passive/active)
• Wu wei embodies the principle of effortless action, acting in harmony with the natural flow of the Dao

Historical Context and Origins

• Hinduism developed over many centuries, with roots in the Vedic period of ancient India (1500-500 BCE)
  • The Vedas are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, written in Sanskrit
• Upanishads, composed between 800-400 BCE, introduced key philosophical concepts like Brahman and Atman
• Bhagavad Gita, a part of the epic Mahabharata (400 BCE-400 CE), presents important teachings on dharma and yoga
• Buddhism emerged in the 5th century BCE as a response to the Brahmanical traditions of Hinduism
  • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who sought to address the problem of suffering
• Jainism also originated in the 6th century BCE, emphasizing non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism
• Daoism has its roots in ancient Chinese shamanism and folk religion, later codified by Laozi and Zhuangzi
  • Laozi, the legendary author of the Daodejing, is believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE

Major Schools of Thought

• Samkhya is one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, emphasizing dualism between purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter)
• Yoga, another orthodox school, focuses on meditation and physical practices to achieve moksha
  • Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (400 CE) systematized the philosophy and practice of yoga
• Vedanta, based on the Upanishads, has three main sub-schools: Advaita (non-dualism), Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), and Dvaita (dualism)
• Mahayana Buddhism developed the concept of bodhisattva, beings who postpone their own enlightenment to help others
  • Madhyamaka school, founded by Nagarjuna, emphasizes the doctrine of emptiness (shunyata)
  • Yogacara school focuses on the nature of consciousness and the path to enlightenment
• Theravada Buddhism, prevalent in Southeast Asia, adheres closely to the original teachings of the Buddha
• Philosophical Daoism, represented by the Daodejing and Zhuangzi, emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao
  • Religious Daoism incorporates elements of folk religion, alchemy, and the pursuit of immortality

Core Philosophical Principles

• Hinduism asserts the unity of Brahman and Atman, the ultimate goal being the realization of this unity
  • The four yogas (paths) to moksha are bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), karma (action), and raja (meditation)
• Buddhism's Four Noble Truths outline the nature of suffering and the path to its cessation
  • The Eightfold Path provides a practical guide to achieving nirvana, the end of suffering
• Anatta, the Buddhist doctrine of no-self, asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul
• Jainism's three jewels are right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct
  • Jains believe in the existence of eternal souls (jivas) and the principle of non-violence towards all living beings
• Daoism emphasizes the concept of Dao, the ineffable source and pattern of all existence
  • Wuwei, or effortless action, involves acting in accordance with the natural flow of the Dao
  • Ziran, or naturalness, is the spontaneous and unforced way of being in harmony with the Dao

Influential Figures and Texts

• Vyasa, the legendary sage, is credited with compiling the Vedas and composing the Mahabharata
• Shankara (788-820 CE), the most prominent exponent of Advaita Vedanta, wrote commentaries on the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Brahma Sutras
• Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE) founded the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta, emphasizing devotion to a personal God
• Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, taught the Middle Way between asceticism and indulgence
  • The Pali Canon contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddha's teachings
• Nagarjuna (150-250 CE), the founder of the Madhyamaka school, is known for his treatises on emptiness
• Mahavira (599-527 BCE), the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, systematized Jain teachings
  • The Tattvartha Sutra, composed by Umaswati (2nd century CE), is the most important Jain text
• Laozi, the legendary author of the Daodejing, is the central figure in philosophical Daoism
• Zhuangzi (369-286 BCE), known for his eponymous text, used parables and anecdotes to illustrate Daoist principles

Practices and Rituals

• Hindu worship (puja) involves offerings, prayers, and rituals performed at home or in temples
  • Major Hindu festivals include Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri
• Yoga, encompassing physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation, is a common Hindu practice
• Buddhist meditation practices include mindfulness (vipassana) and loving-kindness (metta) meditation
  • Theravada Buddhists observe Uposatha days, gathering for meditation, chanting, and listening to Dharma talks
• Jain ascetics engage in severe austerities, such as fasting and wearing minimal clothing, to purify their souls
  • Jain laypeople observe dietary restrictions, avoiding root vegetables and eating only during daylight hours
• Daoist practices include meditation, qigong (energy cultivation), and taiji (a martial art form)
  • Daoist rituals often involve the use of talismans, charms, and the recitation of scriptures

Impact on Daily Life and Culture

• Hinduism has shaped Indian culture, influencing art, literature, and social structures like the caste system
  • The concept of dharma guides individuals in their social roles and moral responsibilities
• Buddhism has had a profound impact on the cultures of Southeast Asia, shaping art, architecture, and values
  • The Buddhist emphasis on compassion and non-violence has influenced social and political movements
• Jainism's strict adherence to non-violence has led to the development of unique cultural practices
  • Jain monks and nuns use a small broom to gently sweep insects from their path to avoid harming them
• Daoism has permeated Chinese culture, influencing art, literature, and traditional Chinese medicine
  • The concept of yin and yang has become a fundamental principle in Chinese thought and aesthetics
• The spread of Buddhism along the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchange between China and India
  • Buddhist art and iconography, such as the Buddha statue and mandala, have become widely recognized symbols

Comparison with Western Philosophy

• Eastern philosophies tend to emphasize the unity of the individual with the cosmos, while Western thought often stresses individuality
• Hinduism and Buddhism view the self as an illusion, contrasting with the Western notion of a distinct, autonomous self
  • The Eastern concept of reincarnation differs from the Western belief in a single life followed by eternal reward or punishment
• Eastern philosophies generally aim for the cessation of desire and attachment, while Western thought often encourages the pursuit of desires
• The Eastern notion of karma as a moral law of cause and effect contrasts with Western ideas of divine judgment and free will
• Daoism's emphasis on harmony with nature and simplicity differs from the Western drive to control and exploit nature
  • The Daoist concept of wuwei challenges the Western valuation of purposeful, goal-oriented action
• Eastern philosophies have influenced Western thinkers, such as Schopenhauer and Heidegger, who drew on Buddhist and Daoist ideas
  • The Western interest in Eastern thought has grown with the rise of globalization and cross-cultural exchange