Asian Phil Almost All Asian

Asian Phil Almost all Asian philosophical perspectives encourage an experiential spirituality. For example, the practice of yoga is embedded in the Hindu tradition and yet depends more on personal practice than on devotion to deity. Buddhist meditation also emphasizes practice over theory. Theory remains central but unlike their Western counterparts, Eastern religions de-emphasize the concept of blind faith. Moreover, Eastern religions and philosophical traditions are almost atheistic, promoting human potential more than surrender to God.

God is more of an ideal state of consciousness than a deity in all Eastern religions, even in deity-laden Hinduism. Hindu gods are portrayed as manifestations of divine consciousness, and human beings must perform spiritual practices to maximize union with God. As a student of Eastern religions, I have been inspired by the approach of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Eastern Spiritual traditions and practices have immediate practical benefits and are therefore more like psychological than religious paths.

For example, the Zen Buddhist concept of Beginner's Mind encourages students to let go of their ego. My perception of Beginner's Mind is to make ourselves like a baby, encountering the world with fresh senses. Whenever I have made Beginner's Mind a part of my conscious awareness the world seems much more interesting: I notice sights, sounds, smells, and ideas that I would have missed if I remained caught up in my Monkey Mind.

Beginner's Mind reminds me that my biases, prejudices, and preconceived notions of the world interfere with my ability to feel joy. The emotional reactions I have to people or situations in my life are products of my past. Instead of reacting on instinct, I can use Beginner's Mind to approach situations with a fresh approach. Using Beginner's Mind helps me avoid interpersonal conflicts and experience more delight in the simple act of being alive. In conjunction with Beginner's Mind, Taoism offers ways to transcend the ego.

The Taoist concept of wu wei refers to "non-action." Misunderstood as a proposal for inertia or inaction, wu wei means letting go. Instead of interfering or trying to control external situations or people, I can use the principle of wu wei to allow genuinely wise action take place. A combination of Beginner's Mind and wu wei permit me to take my ego out of my interpersonal relationships. I greet life on life's terms rather than complaining.

Both Taoism and Buddhism discourage dualistic thinking, even though the latter introduces the concepts of yin and yang. Yin and yang are principles that illustrate flux, flow, and balance: not duality. Whereas Christianity and other Western religions promote concepts of Heaven and Hell, Eastern traditions view the world more like the breath. in-breath and out-breath are part of the same singular action of breathing. The Hindu-derived practice of yoga also emphasizes the power of the breath to illustrate the unity of reality. Pranayama, or breath control, teaches mental patience.

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