EASTERN AND WESTERN THOUGHTS

Western Easter
(Greek and Judeo-Christian n
Traditions) (Classical Indian and
Individualism/Fragmentary/Dualistic: Chinese
Collectivism/Wholisti
A human being has an individualistic c: Philosophie
nature and is an independent part of the A human being iss)an integral part of
universe and the society. More focused on the universe and the society. People
the individual events and the role of the are fundamentally connected. all
person. Emphasis is on the “I”. events in the universe are
interconnected (Systematic
Outer-world dependent: Searching Inner-world dependent: the “WE”.
Approach). Emphasis is on
outside yourself – through research and Searching
analysis inside yourself – through
Science/evidence-based culture: What meditation
Evidence is meaningless; truth is
can be proven/measured is deemed the and right living
given
truth and does not have to be proven
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 become from the false “me” – attachment
apparent: it is given, does not have to be to the material things
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

Understanding the propositions of the East regarding the self entails a paradigm
shift of the Western views. While its western counterpart highlights the
importance of individualism, the eastern thought values unity and harmony and
being part of the greater whole, where everything is believed to be connected and
the interdependent with others and nature. The Eastern perspective does not see
any distinction in all the things in the world; everyone is interconnected thus, the
other person is deemed part of yourself.

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.

HOW BEAUTY IS DEFINED AROUND THE WORLD

1. Ethiopia: Body Scars

Wsome are concerned with erasing scars, Ethiopia’s Karo tribe is creating
them. In the tribe’s eyes, beauty is literally skin deep: the scars cut onto the
stomachs of women at childhood are seen as beautiful adornments meant
to attract men who are husband material.
2. Kenya: Long Earlobes and Shaved Heads
To the Masai tribe of Kenya, long, stretched earlobes and low-
maintenance buzz cuts are the ideal. Women are known to shave their
heads and use everything from elephant tusks to twigs to pierce and
stretch their lobes to become more attractive.
3. Burma and Thailand: Long Necks
 Long, giraffe-like necks are the ultimate sign of beauty and female
elegance to the Kayan tribe. At 5 years old, Kayan women start priming
their necks with heavy brass rings. Each year, more coils are added,
pushing down their shoulders and creating the effect of a longer neck.
Keep in mind that the rings in this centuries- old ritual can weigh up to 22
pounds (9.98 kg).

4. China, Thailand and Japan: Pale Skin

In various parts of Asia, pale, white skin is revered as a sign of
affluence and attractiveness. In Japan, women avoid the sun at all costs,
while skin-care products with whitening agents are the norm in places
like China and Thailand. Sometimes, it’s hard to find products without
bleaching properties.
5. New Zealand: Face Tattoos
Tattooing is a sacred ritual to the Maori people of New Zealand, and not
something parents warn their teenagers they’ll one day regret.
Traditionally, a chisel was used to carve grooves into the skin, creating
swirling tattoos called Tamoko. Women with tattooed lips, chins and full
blue lips are the most beautiful.

THE FIVE GLOBAL BEAUTY ARCHETYPES:

 Primary Sexual Characteristics

Primary sexual characteristics are the physical characteristics directly involved in

reproduction, such as the sex organs. Sex organs are a broad category that
includes any gland, organ, or part that is necessary for reproduction. (Study.com)
The sex organs show a major physical change during puberty – its growth and
development make up the primary sexual characteristics. Primary sexual
characteristics are there from birth (for example, penises vs. vaginas). In
mammals, sex is determined through hormonal events in utero that under
normal circumstances are controlled by the combination of X and Y
chromosomes. If an egg is fertilized with a sperm carrying the X chromosome,
the gonads should develop into ovaries and the offspring will be female; if the
egg is fertilized with a sperm carrying the Y chromosome, the gonads should
develop into testes and the offspring will be male. (Reid, 2018).

For the male: scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate, seminal vesicles,
urethra, and penis all qualify as being part of the sex organs. (Study.com) The
male gonads (testes), which are located in the scrotum (sac), outside the body, are
only approximately 10% of their mature size at the age of fourteen years. Rapid
growth occurs for a year or two, after which growth slows down; the testes are
fully developed by the age of twenty or twenty-one.

Secondary Sexual Characteristics

Secondary sexual characteristics emerge at puberty. These physical characteristics

are not used in sexual reproduction, but are important for attracting a mate or
being able to provide care for offspring - such as human breasts. These features
distinguish males from females and make members of one sex appealing to
members of the opposite sex. Hormones secreted through the hypothalamus
initiate the development of classically male or female secondary sexual traits
(Reid, 2018). The appearance of secondary sexual characteristics makes one
“sexually appealing”. Changes caused by the gradual development of these
characteristics, like other developments at puberty, follows a predictable pattern.
The following table shows the secondary sexual characteristics of boys and girls

Important Secondary Sex Characteristics:

BOYS GIRLS
Hair
Pubic hair appears about one year after the
testes and penis have started to increase in
size. Axillary and facial hair appears when
the pubic hair has almost completed its
growth, as does body hair. At first, all hair
is scanty, lightly pigmented, and fine in
texture. Later it becomes darker, coarser,
more luxuriant, and slightly kinky.
Skin
The skin becomes coarser, less transparent,
and sallow in color, and the pores enlarge.
Glands
The sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands in
the skin enlarge and become more active,
which may cause acne. The apocrine glands
in the armpits start to function, and
perspiration increases as puberty
progresses.
Muscles
The muscles increase markedly in size and
strength, thus giving shape to the arms,
legs, and shoulders.
Voice
Voice changes begin after some pubic hair
has appeared. The voice becomes husky
and later drops in pitch, increases in
volume, and acquires a pleasant tone. Voice
breaks are common when maturing is rapid.
Breast Knots
Slight knobs around the male mammary
glands appear between the ages of twelve
and fourteen. These last for several weeks
and then decreases in number and size.
Hips
The hips become wider and rounder as a
result of the enlargement of the pelvic bone
and the development of subcutaneous fat.
Breasts
Shortly after the hips start to enlarge, the
breasts begin to develop. The nipples
enlarge and protrude and, as the mammary
gland develops, the breast become larger
and rounder.
Hair
Pubic hair appears after hip and breast
development is well underway. Axillary
hair begins to appear after the menarche, as
does facial hair. Body hair appears on the
limbs late in puberty. All hair except facial
hair is straight and slightly pigmented at
first and then becomes more luxuriant,
coarser, darker, and slightly kinky.
Skin
The skin becomes coarser, thicker, and
slightly sallow, and the pores enlarge.
Glands
The sebaceous and apocrine glands become
more active as puberty progresses. Clogging
of the sebaceous glands can cause acne,
while the apocrine glands in the armpits
produce perspiration, which is especially
heavy and pungent just before and during
menstrual period.
Muscles
The muscles increase in size and strength,
especially in the middle of puberty and
toward the end, thus giving shape to the
shoulders, arms, and legs.
Voice
The voice becomes fuller and more
melodious. Huskiness and breaks in the
voice are rare among girls.
EROGENOUS ZONES OF THE HUMAN BODY

These body parts are known as erogenous zones – sensitive areas on the body that
cause sexual arousal when they are touched (Merriam- Webster). Your awareness
of these body parts will lead you to being responsible – as to know your limits and
capabilities, and will give you control over your
desires and sexual urges.

1. Clitoris – this is the female body part contributing most to sexual arousal.
It is extremely sensitive due to nerve endings. Research shows that
stimulating the clitoris is the fastest and easiest way for many women to
achieve orgasm through pressure and vibration.

2. Vagina – it is where the “G-spot” is located. The interior of the vagina

contain nerve endings, and women report that deep stimulation leads to
more intense orgasms. The outer edge of the vagina, on the other hand,
tends to respond to light touch.

3. Cervix – located at the lower end of the uterus, has its own feel-good
nerve pathways. In fact, some research suggests that the vagina, clitoris,
and cervix all respond separately and distinctly to sexual stimuli. Nerves
in the cervix respond most to pressure stimulation, but light touch has
been shown to elicit a response as well.

4. Mouth and Lips – surveys found kissing to be more important in

relationship-building than in sexual arousal. Studies suggest that many
women rank the lips and mouth highly as erogenous areas.

5. Neck- according to a large survey of women, both the nape and

back of the neck are among the top 10 erogenous zones. One study
found that the neck is very sensitive to light touch, especially among
people with low body fat. Another study found that women with
spinal cord injury can get pretty turned on by neck stimulation alone.

6. Breasts and Nipples – both men and women have breasts for evolutionary
purposes especially women; and they play a role in sexual arousal as well.
Nipple stimulation sets fireworks off in the same region of the brain that
processes sensations from the clitoris and vagina. Just as
with the clitoris, pressure and vibration stimulate them.

7. Ears – are super sensitive to touch, probably due to a large number of

nerve endings.
 MALE

1. Penis - both survey and lab-based scientific experiments demonstrate that

penile stimulation significantly contributes to sexual satisfaction. And
while this can be a sensitive subject, circumcision doesn’t appear to
decrease sensation or sexual satisfaction.

2. Mouth and Lips – they are highly sensitive; male lips respond to light
touch, temperature, or pressure. Kissing also triggers a release of
hormones involved in intimacy – especially oxytocin, the so-called “love
hormone.”
3. Scrotum - it is one of men’s most notable erogenous zones. Lots of nerves
mean that this area is super-sensitive to touch.

4. Neck – while touching the neck doesn’t appear to be quite as much of a

turn-on for men as for women, it’s still ranked pretty highly on the
erogenous zones list. The neck has great sensitivity to low-frequency
vibration, making it a prime spot for light erotic touch.

5. Nipples – as with women, men rank nipples as a definite hot spot. While
male nipples don’t appear to serve any real purpose (they’re basically by-
products of evolution), that doesn’t mean they’re totally useless – they still
have plenty of nerve endings.

6. Perineum – is the area between the anus and scrotum and is hooked up to
perineal nerves, which help convey sensations of sexual pleasure from the
genitals to the brain.

7. Ears – highly sensitive to touch because of a high number of sensory

receptors on the skin, the ears are ranked just behind the scrotum for body
parts that help men orgasm when touched or otherwise stimulated.
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