TOPIC 5: THE SELF IN WESTERN & EASTERN THOUGHTS

Dr. Jona Addatu, RGC

“One ship sails east and another sails west with the same self–wind that blow, it’s
the set of the sail and not the gale that determines the way we go. As the winds of the
sea are the ways of fate. As we voyage along through life, it’s the act of the soul that
determines the goal and not the calmness of the strife.”- Ella Wilcox

The Eastern world comprises of nations in Asian while the Western world consists of
countries which are geographically located in Europe and North America. The
perceived dichotomy between the East and the West is not only geographical but
more of cultural as it encompasses differences in terms of beliefs and modes of thinking, values and ways of life.
Divergences between the two are apparent even in terms of understanding concepts like truth, justice, and the
self. You will discharge all of these for 4 hours.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

ACTIVITY:
Do This! Individualist or Collectivist?

INDIVIDUALISTIC VERSUS COLLECTIVE THOUGHTS

It’s the first day of the class and everyone is excited to know everybody. John Doe was asked by the teacher to
start introducing himself in the group and he responded by saying, “I am John Doe, a clever basketball player
and trainor. I used to live in Toronto but I moved in here for new experiences. Aside from I enjoy dancing, I also
find fulfilment in basketball coaching. In fact, I am one of the most amateur coaches in basketball in our
village”. Juan Dela Cruz on the other hand, who was asked to do the same started his self-introduction by
exclaiming, “I am Juan Dela Cruz, a full-blooded Ilocano. I am the youngest in a brood of five; I also love
playing basketball and an avid fan of Toronto Raptors”.

The individualistic perspective views the self as one that is independent from others; it is a separate, autonomous,
and distinct entity. Like John Doe, individualists when asked to talk about themselves would prefer to express
their unique inner attributes, abilities, personal preferences and achievements. The individualistic thought
recognizes individual differences; it tends to prize autonomy over collective wisdom and effort where the
individual is a regarded a self-made whose success and happiness do not necessarily depend on others, not even
to the society in general. On the other hand, in the collectivistic thought, all things are seen as interdependent and
inseparable parts and parcels of the larger social world. One of the most distinguishing hallmarks of the Eastern
worldview is the awareness on unity and mutual interrelation of all things and events in life.

The fundamental relatedness of the self to others is accentuated and people construe themselves and ascribe
meaning to their personhood by emphasizing their social roles, group memberships or personal relations to their
significant others. Collectivists recognize that their identity and self-esteem are wrapped up in their group and so
they would more likely value promoting group harmony and cohesion, belonging and fitting-in.

The collectivistic thought underscores that relationships with others in specific contexts is the primordial
consideration in defining the self. Reflecting back unto the result of your activity on Individualist or Collectivist?
And considering the above discourse, what realizations do you have? Were you able to distinguish the two
orientations particularly in terms of how they view the self? Now take a look on the table below and learn more
about their notable differences particularly in terms of their philosophies.
EASTERN AND WESTERN Eastern
THOUGHTS Western (Classical Indian and Chinese
(Greek and Judeo-Christian Philosophies)
Traditions)
Individualism/Fragmentary/Dualistic: Collectivism/Wholistic:
A human being has an individualistic A human being is an integral part of
nature and is an independent part of thethe universe and the society. People are
universe and the society. More focused fundamentally connected. all events in
on the individual events and the role ofthe universe are interconnected
the person. Emphasis is on the “I”. (Systematic Approach). Emphasis is on
the “WE”.
Outer-world dependent: Searching Inner-world dependent: Searching
outside yourself – through research and inside yourself – through meditation
analysis and right living
Science/evidence-based culture: What Evidence is meaningless; truth is given
can be proven/measured is deemed the and does not have to be proven
truth
Man is an element of the Divine Man is a part of the cosmic unity
Life is a service (to God, money, Life is a journey towards eternal
business, etc.) realities outside the world
The journey of mankind is linear; The journey of mankind is cyclical:
everything has its beginning and end. perception of eternal recurrence (life
after death, reincarnation)
Action is not necessarily a translation The action is the extension of the
of the mind. mind.
The concept of “Me”: the true “me” is Me- to be discovered by liberating
a part of the Divine that need not from the false “me” – attachment to the
become apparent: it is given, does not material things
have to be cognizable

Construction of the Self in the Western Perspective

The Western worldview underscores the importance of the parts rather than the whole. It suggests a fragmentary
approach in understanding phenomena as it does not subscribe to a holistic view of reality. As such, all aspects of
life are explored and analyzed not as whole but as separate parts.

Even the self is purported to be investigated and viewed as a highly compartmentalized entity. The Western
Thought maintains the individual as a separate, self-contained individual, whose sense of self-worth is focused on
internal attributes (ability, intelligence, personality, goals, preferences, rights). Since the West values
individuality and freedom, the self as an independent individual is given preference over the others. It does not
however discredit the role of environment and society in the development of the self but its focus is always
looking toward the self. The personal achievements of the self over the others for instance is highlighted, thus
Westerners tend to compare themselves to the rest of the group in order to be better. Their self-esteem can in fact
be verified and confirmed through social comparison. But they can set out their own goals regardless of whether
or not these goals conform to the society’s shared goals. Moreover, individual needs and wants are given more
importance as they put primacy in developing themselves.

From this standpoint, equality is accorded to every individual self who is regarded as an independent being that
has inalienable right to life and personal development. Individual rights are recognized and given prominence
over duties as it is only through this where the society at large attains progress and civilization.
The self according to Western theories was comprehensively discussed in the preceding topics. For us to fully
appreciate the self and make an objective synthesis about it, we shall, in particular, take a brief look unto how it
is explained based on the Eastern theories. We will be examining how the self was explained by the major
philosophies of the East – Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism. We shall likewise explore the
indigenous conceptualization of the self based on the Filipino culture.

The Self as Embedded in the Oriental Thoughts

The self, through this holistic view, is considered a relational being whose very existence is defined by his being
blended harmoniously with the other selves, all things and events. The self is fundamentally connected with the
other selves and is an integral part of the universe and society. In this web of interdependency, harmony is the
key. One’s conformity with shared norms and values is very important.

Consequently, the self must place duties over rights. Individual goals are manifested and find fulfilment in
society’s shared goals. It is crucial for the self to participate in creating harmony, and to avoid criticism, ridicule,
and rejection to gain approval and acceptance.

The Self in Hinduism

Who is the self? The self is Atman, and Atman is the innermost essence of the self whose destiny is to be Brahma
in Nirvana. Attachment of the self to the material world (maya/illusion) leads to suffering (samsara).
Reincarnation of the self is a form of suffering because the self keeps coming back to the material-world thinking
that it is its real destiny. The self has to liberate itself from this ignorance by cultivating an authentic knowledge
(self-realization) that the self has is NOT MAYA but ATMAN. When the self has been thoroughly cleansed from
its illusions, the self is filled with the sense of well-being, and at death, its soul is liberated from endless rebirths
(reincarnation) and join the universal spirit Brahma and becomes one with Brahma.

The Self in Buddhism

The doctrine of non-self or annata dictates that the self is subject to the law of changes. Everything, including the
self, is always in constant change: born, grows, and dies. The self is composed of five aggregates: natter,
sensation, perception, mental construct, and consciousness. Each aggregate is transitory in nature. That is why
there is no such thing as permanent self. Buddhism discards the existence of the self. The idea of the self is
illusory. This false belief yields harmful thoughts of selfish desire, “me-and-mine” mentality, craving,
attachment, ill-will, hatred, conceit, pride, egoism, and any other defilements and social problems. It is the source
of all troubles in societies.

The goal of the self is to attain enlightenment by freeing oneself from ignorance that causes suffering. To
eliminate ignorance and attain enlightenment, the self should:
1. Know the four noble truths that there is suffering in this world; the cause of suffering is craving for self-
identity as if it is permanence; there is way out of this bondage of suffering.
2. The way to get out of suffering is by practicing the eightfold path.

The Self in Confucianism

The self is a moral and social being. Confucius was essentially concerned with what made a good life. Good life
depends on order, and order depends on good and just government. If a ruler lives and governs virtuously,
virtuous people would obey him. Virtue consists of correct behavior, such as benevolence, righteousness,
propriety, wisdom, and loyalty.

These virtues must guide human relations, namely, (a) between ruler and people; (b) between parents and
children; (c) between husband and wife; (d) between elder brother and younger brother; and (e) between friends
and friend. A true self is a noble man possesses all the virtues, and this noble man is called the man of JEN.
The self is a dot in the universe and being a part of nature, the self must live in accordance with the law of nature
that rules and directs the movements of all things. The highest achievement of every human being is being a wise
person. As a wise person, his highest achievement is affinity with the universe. The happiness of the self is found
in the self’s conformity with nature.
Confucius advocated the active role of man in relation to creating oneness with nature. Since the self is the
master of nature, his duty is to actively harmonize himself with nature by translating the innate law of nature into
action.

The Self in Taoism

As a philosophy, Taoism advocates what is natural and spontaneous, simple, and necessary. Taoism derived its
name from its central idea, Tao or the Way of nature. Taoism, just like Confucianism aimed at humanity’s
oneness with nature. But Taoism contradicted Confucianism as regards to how oneness shall be achieved. Taoism
considers the self as merely one of the many elements of the natural world. Tao is an indescribable force that
govern natures. The self must bring himself in harmony with Tao by practicing the three great virtues: humility,
frugality and contentment. The self should not strive for learning, riches, and power; the self should find last
thing happiness by being, quiet, thoughtful, and humble. In other word to be able to harmonize, the self must
practice the WU-WIE or the non-interference with the natural courses of events. Most of the problems in the
world is caused by the self’s active participation in creating harmony with nature. Too much involvement of the
self in nature can lead to destruction.

Filipino Concept of the Self

the other oriental thoughts. But some neighboring countries often consider the Filipino as the most westernized
person because of the captive or colonial consciousness that has long been imbued in us. A Filipino is also
multilayered because of foreign influences, such as those of India, Indonesia, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and
American which are embedded in our culture. So how do we define a Filipino as a self?

Our understanding of the Filipino as a self must be based on the concepts of PAGKATAO and LOOB. Pagkatao
or humanities indicates the fact that a Filipino is a human being just like anyone else. The concept of loob is
exemplified by Filipino holistic worldview and interiority (human heartedness) (Mercado, 1974).

With this nondualistic worldview, the self is seen as a body-soul embodiment. Life is not seen as
compartmentalized, the present is the continuation of the past, and this continuity moves in a cyclic manner that
has no beginning and no end (Gulong ng Palad). A Filipino does not distinguish the subject from the object, the
person from feelings. Harmonious relationship is of prime importance; this is maintained by the value of
sensitivity. Interiority pertains to love, mercy, charity, elemency, and leniency.
This human heartedness is mirrored in the Filipino concepts of kagandahang-loob, kabutihang loob, kalooban,
which somehow depict our interdependency with others. They slow the social dimension of the self, sharing of
the self with others in values of pakikisama, camaraderie, hospitality, utang-na-loob, bayanihan spirit, family-
centeredness, meal-centeredness, etc.
The self, therefore, is a relational being, who thinks, acts, behaves, and decides always in accordance with his
being with others.

ACTIVITY:

Try This! Watch and Reflect : Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Culture
Draw and Explain : The Filipino in Me