eastern philosophy

Jean Goodwin, LCSW 

Photo+by+Saffu+on+Unsplash

What is Eastern Philosophy?

Eastern philosophy refers to the various philosophies of Asia and includes a wide range of countries and beliefs. The division is not purely geographic but also stems from general interpretation and conceptual differences between Eastern and Western traditions. Buddhist philosophy, one of the Eastern philosophies, consists of various schools, practices, and teachings that can be confusing to the Western reader. For the sake of brevity and understanding, listed below are some of the tenets of Buddhist philosophy that are inherent in my practice. They include:

  • How we are relating to our experience is of greater importance than improving the content of our experience.

  • Suffering is created when we cling to or reject our experience.

  • Freedom arises from an unconditional commitment to the truth of our experience in the present moment.

  • The present moment is all that is available to us.

  • All experiencing is relational.

  • Awareness, loving-kindness, compassion, and equanimity are elemental.

  • Acceptance is developed through mindfulness of our felt experience.

  • Nothing is fixed or permanent.