IELTS Instructor

1. Ancient Eastern Philosophy
On the AncientWisdom of
Buddhism, Hinduism,Taoism
& Confucianism

2. • The most important characteristic of the Eastern world view - one could
almost say the essence of it - is the awareness of the unity and mutual
interrelation of all things and events, the experience of all phenomena in the
world as manifestations of a basic oneness. All things are seen as
interdependent and inseparable parts of this cosmic whole; as different
manifestations of the same ultimate reality.
(Fritjof Capra,TheTao of Physics)

3. • The fundamental element of the cosmos is Space. Space is the all-
embracing principle of higher unity. Nothing can exist without Space. ..
According to ancient Indian tradition the Universe reveals itself in two
fundamental properties: as Motion and as that in which motion takes place,
namely Space.This Space is called Akasa .. derived from the root kas, 'to
radiate, to shine', and has therefore the meaning of ether which is conceived
as the medium of movement.The principle of movement, however,
is Prana, the breath of life, the all-powerful, all-pervading rhythm of the
universe. (Lama Anagarika Govinda, 1969)

4. Buddhism
On the Life of Buddha,
BuddhistThought & Practice

5. Laws of karma (cause and effect)
• Buddhism is a moral philosophy / religion based upon the teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama (566 - 486 B.C.).
Siddhartha Gautama became known as the Buddha. 'Buddha' (from the ancient
Indian languages of Pali and Sanskrit) means "one who has awakened". It is
derived from the verbal root "budh", meaning "to awaken" or "to be enlightened",
and "to comprehend".
• The Buddha offered metaphysical knowledge into the nature of reality as well as a
moral way of life.The Middle Way is an important idea in Buddhist thought and
practice.To seek moderation and avoid the extremes of self-indulgence and self-
mortification.

6. his teaching is known as the Four Noble
Truths:
• Dukkha: Suffering is everywhere
Samudaya:There is a cause of suffering, which is attachment or misplaced
desire (tanha) rooted in ignorance.
Nirodha:There is an end of suffering, which is Nirvana (the possibility of
liberation exists for everyone).
• Maggo:There is a path that leads out of suffering, known as the Noble
Eightfold Path (right view, right thought, right speech, right conduct, right
vocation, right effort, right attention and right concentration).

7. • I will teach you theTruth and the Path leading to theTruth. (Buddha)
• It is proper for you to doubt .. do not go upon report .. do not go upon
tradition..do not go upon hearsay..' (Buddha, Kalama Sutra)

8. On the Metaphysics &
Philosophy of Hinduism
Beliefs & Hindu Gods
Hinduism

9. All is One (Brahman)
• The first collection of Indian philosophy that was written down was the Vedas.The word
'Veda' comes from the Sanskrit vid, meaning knowledge - theVedas are 'sacred knowledge'.
Their exact date is controversial, it is possible that the knowledge dates back 10,000 years
BC, and were first written around 3,000 BC.
• The metaphysical foundation of Hinduism, which is expressed in both theVedas and the
Upanishads is that Reality (Brahman) is One orAbsolute, changeless, perfect and eternal.
The ordinary human world of many separate and discrete (finite) things (which our mind
represents by our senses) is an illusion.Through meditation and purity of mind, one can
experience their true Self which is Brahman,God, the One infinite eternal thing which
causes and connects the many things.True enlightenment is Self-realisation, to experience
the supreme reality as Self.

10. Kabir
a 15th-century Indian mystic poet and saint, whose writings, according
to some scholars, influenced Hinduism's Bhakti movement. Many Hindu
sects consider him as a reformer and great Bhakt. Kabir's verses are
found in Sikhism's scripture Guru Granth Sahib.His most famous
writings include his dohas or couplets.
• In Hinduism,Shiva the Cosmic Dancer, is perhaps the most perfect personification
of the dynamic universe.Through his dance, Shiva sustains the manifold
phenomena in the world, unifying all things by immersing them in his rhythm and
making them participate in the dance - a magnificent image of the dynamic unity
of the Universe. (Capra,TheTao of Physics)

11. Taoism
Way of theTao, LaoTzu
There is a thing, formless yet complete. Before heaven and earth it
existed.Without sound, without substance, it stands alone and
unchanging. It is all-pervading and unfailing.We do not know its
name, but we call itTao. .. Being one with nature, the sage is in accord
with theTao. (LaoTzu)

12. Tao (pronounced 'Dao') can be defined as
'path', or 'road'.
• Taoism is one of the great religions / philosophies of Ancient China (along
with Buddhism and Confucianism).
In 440 B.C.Taoism was adopted as a state religion of China, with LaoTzu (so
called founder ofTaoism) honoured as a deity. LaoTzu was a contemporary
of Confucius and wrote a book called theTao te Ching, composed some time
between the sixth and third centuries B.C. Some people believe LaoTzu is a
mythical character. State support ofTaoism ended in 1911 with the end of
the Ch'ing Dynasty and muchTaoist heritage was destroyed.

13. Confucianism
On the Life of Confucius & the
Philosophy of Confucianism
Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system based
upon the teachings of the Chinese sage, Confucius.

14. • Confucius was a famous thinker and social philosopher of China, whose
teachings have deeply influenced East Asia for centuries. Living in the
Spring and Autumn period (a time when feudal states fought against each
other), he was convinced of his ability to restore the world's order, though
failed. After much travelling aroundChina to promote his ideas among
rulers, he eventually became involved in teaching disciples. His philosophy
emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social
relationships, and justice and sincerity. Used since then as the imperial
orthodoxy, Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a vast and
complete philosophical system known in the west as Confucianism.

15. The Analects
• is a short collection of his discussions with disciples, compiled posthumously.These
contain an overview of his teachings. Confucius presents himself as a transmitter
who invented nothing and his greatest emphasis may be on study, the Chinese
character that opens the book. In this respect, he is seen by Chinese people as the
Greatest Master. Far from trying to build a systematic theory of life and society, he
wanted his disciples to think deeply for themselves and relentlessly study the
outside world. For almost two thousand years, Analects had also been the
fundamental course of study for any Chinese scholar, for a man was not considered
morally upright or enlightened if he did not study Confucius' works.

16. • “ Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.”
• “ I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is
fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.”
• “ Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.”
• “ Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.”
• “ Men's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.”
• “ Respect yourself and others will respect you.”
• “ Study the past if you would define the future.”