Eastern Philosophy & Similarities

There is a school of thought that clubs Eastern philosophy (Hinduism, Taoism, Buddhism) into a common thought, based on several similarities in its thinking and practices, so it may be interesting to examine it. Taoism is about 2300 years in existence, Hindu scriptures for more than 5000+ years.

Starting with, what is Tao? It is the fundamental order of the Universe of how things naturally move. The wise person is aware of this force, stays attuned to it and never forgets that is it the source of everything.

Hinduism speaks of something very similar in Dharma, about how to respect the laws of nature (Universe) and work with it. It is not about right Vs wrong, good Vs bad but about realising the higher order where these don’t exist.

Hinduism speaks a lot about “Sat-Chit-Ananda” or “existence-consciousness-bliss” (connecting the self, the Atman and the higher force), and that bliss which is eternal. It is not about renunciation or going away to a forest but trying to find it in the most routine aspects of life by living in the Dharmic / Tao way of life.

It is very interesting to see that Tao literature describe a as someone who does not seek happiness, nor swings between joy, sadness, glory, failure. Both faiths recommend practices of being attached-detached. They are able to see everything as a part of a whole. You have several such references to Hindua Gurus/Saints/Sufis who dedicate their duties and tasks as orders from a higher force where their relationship with their God is one of love or friendship. They become selfless in a saintly way, live normal lives like you or me but don’t create waves. A lot of the original authors of Upanishads and Puranas were like that. They didn’t even bother to leave their names on the texts which have stood the test of 4000+ years.

The similar characteristics across Eastern seekers who go about living in harmony are

1. They respond to things as they arise, living in the moment

2. They first try to get empty of everything (thoughts & desires), where they know lies fulfilment.

3. They have the wisdom of a sage & the smile of a child

So instead of trying to find the purpose of life, consider to cultivate emptiness of the mind through contemplation and meditation which allows us to see the Universe in a very different perspective. That is where our answer lies.