Buddhists achieved their end path after all suffering was endured and one has come in control of every action and thought, only then could the ultimate happiness and paradise in nirvana be reached. Daoists searched for the first cause of the universe to which all souls belonged to, came from, and could return to after the ultimate control and balance was reached. Daoism and Buddhism were intrinsically similar in many ways. Mainly because of a lack of concern for politics, government, and earthly ordering of people at a socially significant level, both religions' main focus and teaching was the balance and harmony for all people in a natural way and in one's own mind. Their afterlife, so to speak, was different in the belief that individual happiness and peace was the end path for Buddhists, while Daoists wanted to remain and become once again to the continuity of the universe and all life and not as human
Epictetus would look down on modern Western civilization for its rampant materialism -- nowadays, it seems that it requires vast amounts of money to be happy. Epictetus, however, suggested that we don't need money to be happy. In fact, he stated that we don't need any external things to be happy. He concluded that happiness results from attaining virtue and valuing only that which we can control. Happiness Follows from Virtue Epictetus asserted that while there is no inherent problem in seeking material comfort, the only true good thing is virtue because only virtue can be beneficial in all situations; thus virtue would not ever fail to bring happiness.
An activity done by extrinsic motivation may not be done because a person enjoys it, it’s often done because they want the end outcome. Working out is a great example, the result of looking better is extrinsic motivation, and the working out is not done because they like how they feel when they workout. Amotivation is the lack of motivation or drive to do something (McDavid, Cox, & Amorose, 2012). Amotivation is when someone does like doing something and feels there is no need to do that
According to Spoors et al, Lane found that increased economic power did not lead to increased happiness. Once we have enough to meet their basic needs, happiness tends to lie in the quality of our relationships. In addition to having a strong family network, belonging to some kind of community or social group will also contribute to our happiness. We tend to gain self-esteem and a sense of belonging from being part of a group with whom there is a shared identity and common values. Most groups provide social support and depending on the type of group for example religious groups, will also encourage optimistic
His detailed accounts and anecdotes centralize around the themes of self-identity, anti-consumerism, and the embrace of the human condition, towards an ultimate pursuit of happiness. Within the text, the humanitarian philosophies of St Benedict are discussed to great extent. McGirr admires Benedict mostly for his way of “[taking] life in moderation”, how he lived through the lives of others to find happiness. In relation, the Buddhist teachings- “Tao Te Ching”, are noted. Despite leaving the Jesuit, McGirr still believes in selflessness and generosity to find happiness.
1) Buddha informs others that even though life was filled with suffering, it was possible to stop sorrow if one did not crave anything. Zhi Dun, a Chinese scholar states in Document 2, “He will behold the Buddha and be enlightened in his spirit, and then he will enter Nirvana.” Zhi Dun must
Happiness can mean several different things; joy, cheerful, bliss and hopeful. For some people, the definition of happiness seems to be avoiding pain at all costs. The problem with defining happiness seems to be an epidemic disparity with what it means to be happy. There is no one way to define this state of being we are all craving to reach. It is as if it depends on what level of for example Maslow’s hierarchy of self-growth.
Buddhists see disability as a consequence of a past life but what they mean by that is the joys and hardships are a consequence of karma and does not undermine equality. However, the image we have of Jesus is that of pure perfection and people with disabilities wouldn’t be seen as being as close to perfection as those without disabilities and it can be argued that they therefore shouldn’t be treated equally. Secondly, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. This is a quote from Jesus that teaches that we should love our neighbours, which is everyone, the same way we love ourselves. This involves looking at it from their perspective and if we were in their shoes, we would value equality.
However I do believe that some people will perform just acts because they empathize with people who may be hurting or hungry for 1 example, and will try to ease their pain or feed them because they can relate to their situation, when they will gain nothing in return. Even in a situation like this, however, you could make the argument that the just action of helping the less fortunate is only motivated by the person hoping that they will develop good “kharma” and
Because of the question and answer form, the author was most likely Confucian, though had positive thoughts towards Buddhism as well. The author says that not everything had to be the works of Confucius because they don’t comprise everything. This document explains why monks reject getting married and having children. It states that wives, children, and property are luxurious, but monks choose to give up such entities for simple living to gain knowledge and goodness. This document shows that adherents to Buddhism are in no way harming anybody, and Confucianism and Buddhism can exist together without the need for violence or hatred.