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Buddhism vs. European Individualism


# 110303
Buddhism vs. European Individualism
A comparison of the Western philosophies of individualism with the lack of individualism found in Buddhist philosophy.
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages) | 5 sources | MLA | 2008 United States


Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the spirit of Western philosophy and colonization - that of every man for himself. It discusses how the nation of America was born through exploration, driven by the European Enlightenment and the travels of Columbus. The paper compares these Western views to the lack of individualism found in Buddhist philosophy.

From the Paper:

"Columbus' eradication of another civilization is the most extreme form of Western civilization's prioritization of distinction, in contrast to Buddhism's stress upon the collapse of such distinction. The most obvious negative legacy of Columbus, for all of his striving and inquiry, is the current racial divisions of our own society and the damaged material and cultural state of Native Americans. Although a change of attitude cannot heal these distinctions alone, adopting at least some of the Buddhist spirit of the acceptance of the 'Other' as one with the self or 'non-self' might be an important first step in creating common ground in our nation. Our nation was founded not simply in democracy, but upon European colonialization and superiority, far before the creation of the ideals and laws of our modern republic. The legacy of China also reminds us that all civilizations have regarded themselves as 'special,' not just our own, no matter how great our democratic legacy."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • "Ancient Chinese Explorers: Part 2." NOVA. PBS.org. Jan 2001. 14 Dec 2007. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sultan/explorers2.html
  • Butler, Mike. Basic Buddhism Guide. Buddhanet. 2007. 14 Dec 2007. http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/intro_bud.htm
  • Columbus, Christopher. The Journal of Christopher Columbus. Translated by Clements R. Markham. World History. 2007. 14 Dec 2007. http://www.wadsworth.com/history_d/special_features/ext/world_hist/WorldCiv-ch15.html
  • "The Hear Sutra." Buddhanet. 2007. 14 Dec 2007. http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/heartstr.htm
  • Tzu, Lao. "Chapter 1: What is the Tao?" Tao Te Ching. 2007. 14 Dec 2007. http://www.thetao.info/english/page1.htm

Cite this paper

APA Citation:

Buddhism vs. European Individualism (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Comparison-Essay-Buddhism-vs-European-Individualism/110303

MLA Citation:

"Buddhism vs. European Individualism" 15 January 2012. Web. 14 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Comparison-Essay-Buddhism-vs-European-Individualism/110303>




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