The Role of Meditation in Ancient Indian, Buddhist and Daoist Philosophy - Assignment Example

The role of meditation in ancient Indian, Buddhist and Daoist philosophy s The role of meditation in ancient Indian, Buddhist and Daoist philosophy 1. Compare and contrast the role of meditation in ancient Indian, Buddhist and Chinese philosophy? You may, for example, choose Yoga philosophy and compare it with one of the schools of Buddhism, for example Zen, and also compare it with one of the Chinese schools, or you can use Daoist philosophy, as another example. What are the main differences? Which one do you prefer? Introduction The paper analyzes, compares and contrasts three philosophical views of ancient times: Indian, Buddhist as well as Daoist one that is related to the Chinese philosophy. Taking into account these three branches of the Oriental philosophy, I am going to discuss a particular aspect characteristic of these philosophic schools, that is – meditation as a certain spiritual practice. To be more precise, this paper will make an attempt to detect the role of meditation in such philosophies of thought as Yoga and Daoist philosophy as well as Zen Buddhism. I shall argue that despite that all of these the common characteristics and purposes typical of these three quite different philosophical practices, there is a number of distinctive features that define the general purpose of meditation in each of the philosophic trends. Yoga philosophy Speaking about an Ancient Indian view on meditation, one should point out that Yoga itself implied a certain state or condition, as well as a technique, and a particular kind of union. Patanjali considered Yoga to be “the cessation of the modifications of the mind” (“The Meaning and Purpose of Yoga”, n.d.). From the point of view of an Ancient Indian, the search for truth was in fact the fundamental problem of philosophy. The truth itself was not of great value, but the knowledge of it help an individual to be released. Thus, it appears that the release, attainment of absolute freedom was a chief aim of the spiritual practices, but not the knowledge of the truth. To become free meant to advance to the next level of being, gain another modus of existence that would surpass the “normal” life and set it on a new more advanced plane. Indeed, Yoga was regarded as a way analyzing the concepts of perception and cognition, lying at the root implying suffering. Besides, it was perceived as a rising and expansion of one’s consciousness. In addition to that, the ancients understood it as a key to omniscience not to speak of the fact that it was also considered a technique for “entering into other bodies,” and generating them (White, n.d., p. 10). Zen Buddhism As opposed to the Ancient Indian approach and understanding of meditation, the Ancient Buddhists fundamentally refrained from asceticism. At the same time, it managed to preserve meditation as a necessary means to reach the state of nirvana. So, it appears that meditation as a state of a spiritual and intellectual concentration is capable of existing without physical austerity. It is of particular importance to note that meditation in Buddhism was interpreted in two different ways. Someone believed that it was actually a discontinuance of all the kinds of mental activity and a refinement of consciousness of all its forms. The others held the opinion that meditation was just one of the most effective means to provide an individual with the contact with reality. Traditionally, Zen Buddhism was a form of this philosophic practice strictly emphasizing the idea of “sitting meditation” aimed at realizing the general Buddhist truths, true and pure human nature, for instance. Generally speaking, the result should have been the realization of the emptiness inside human being, and the presence of an uncreated mind as well as the absence of self. That signifies that Buddhists believed that all the creatures are in fact empty inside and are not burdened with the existence of self-identity. They are only filled with Buddha that is living inside of their bodies, but they have to meditate to comprehend and perceive it. As any other practice of meditation, Zen intended to send its followers looking inside their bodies and make them search for enlightenment. In order to comprehend the truth, human beings could not just sit and philosophize, or study some scriptures and perform various rituals. The major step was to try to control one’s mind by means of meditation as well as applying some other techniques involving human mind and body “to give up logical thinking and avoid getting trapped in a spider’s web of words” (“Zen Buddhism”, 2002). In that way, meditation helped to release human mind from the rational in order not to be deceived by it. Daoist philosophy It is worth noting that classical forms of meditation originating from the Orient of ancient times did not have for an object the corporal well-being of an individual. However, in Daoist school of philosophy, it was regarded a way to achieve immortality as it was considered to be the final goal of a person’s life. Hence, proposing an idea of human immortality, Daoism states that health is an indispensable means to attainment of eternity (“Body and spirit”, 2009). It appears that meditation in this philosophy serves as a necessary means to an end – obtaining of well-being and immortality. The later can be achieved by means of sublimation of the reproducing force into the vital force and after that into the spiritual one. In that way, the transformation of forces takes place inside the human body in order to purify it. Naturally, it is gained with the help of meditation that provide an individual with the physical as well as mental and spiritual health so that they could find peace and eternity. Conclusion Meditation has always had and continues to hold its place in the majority of world’s philosophies and religions. Nevertheless, it plays a large role in Buddhism and other religions of the Orient, or Eastern cultures. It is due to the fact that these cultures are based on the more meditative attitude and approach of a human being to the world perception, than those concentrating on the aspects of life involving activity. More than that, it turns out that meditation has a rather long and interesting history, and has a number of interpretations. What is more important is that the role as well as its understanding varies greatly depending on a particular school of thought. Paying attention to the differences between the above-mentioned philosophical schools of thought, they are laid in the fundamental idea of these philosophies. Thus, the ancient Yogis considered the role of meditation to be that consisting in the search for truth. The followers of Zen Buddhism in ancient times held the opinion that meditation helped to escape from the mental activity and the rational side of life and to take control of their minds in order to arrive at a conclusion that Buddha is inside of every human being. In Daoism, meditation is regarded as a path to spiritual growth as well as long life, that is, immortality. If I were asked to choose between these three cultures and philosophic approaches and practices of meditation, Zen Buddhism would be my choice. I found its interpretation of spiritual practices quite interesting. Zen teaches that it is of particular importance to establish ties with one’s soul. Besides, it avoids long philosophic conversations and paradoxes. In fact, I have come to the realization of that there is no definite aim in Zen Buddhism. However, one may certainly state that the ability to set one’s mind free from various thoughts that have a negative impact on the state of one’s soul is a feature, which should be attained to meet enlightenment. The final expectations are also quite exciting: to advance to the highest level of self- development, one should come to a conclusion that they are empty inside, and have no feelings, no emotions, and with a clear mind. I also liked the idea that human mind and body are interdependent and actually do help each other to move forward to achieve the highest level of self-improvement, and therefore perceive the emptiness filling human beings from the inside. Indeed, I want to learn more about the Zen Buddhist approach to the matter and the ways it helped Buddhists to perceive their nature and the world around them. Reference List Body and spirit. (2009). The BBC, bbc.co.uk. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/practices/bodyspirit.shtml The Meaning and Purpose of Yoga. (n.d.). Hinduwebsite.com. Retrieved from: http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/yoga.asp White, D. G. (n.d.). Yoga, Brief History of an Idea. Retrieved from: http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/i9565.pdf Zen Buddhism. (2002). The BBC, bbc.co.uk. Retrieved from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/zen_1.shtml Read More