Self-Actualization Beliefs
Lindsay Boulerice
Background:
Self-actualization is the basis for various religions. Unlike monotheistic religions and polytheistic religions these beliefs are centered on personal fulfillment as opposed to worshiping other spiritual agents. The focus is primarily on the individual who chooses to practice. Through different methods a spiritual life can alleviate suffering as well as create an enjoyable existence. Religions focused on the self as opposed to a religious deity include Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto. These belief systems date back as far as Christianity and Hinduism which implies that they all were practiced around the same time as well as still practiced today.[1]
Turning Point:
For instance, Confucianism stresses the importance of discovering ones self as well as examining different components about the individual. Accomplishing goals and interpreting the meanings of the progress are all apart of reaching sagehood. To reach the age of the sage is to become a divine being. Practices such as meditation help a person achieve this by expressing the necessity of concentration on balancing the mind and body. For a person to successfully meditate, they need to excuse themselves from family and social circles to be entirely isolated. Thus, meditation is not part of a daily routine but a break from daily life. 1
Buddhism similarly focuses on the individual as well. Buddhism attempts to relieve pain and suffering for the person throughout their lives. Through the teachings of the Eighth Fold Path, and the Four Noble Truths a person may enjoy a pleasant life. Both sets of these philosophies communicate how stresses in life should be dealt with and how to avoid harmful circumstances to have a more prosperous life. By developing a wisdom and understanding of the world one can lead a moral life.2Buddhism demonstrates an enormous appreciation for the earth, and all things on it. All organisms are believed to part of a chain that relies on other organisms to function correctly. Being courteous to other beings allows for the correct natural processes to occur.3
Effect:
These religions are concerned with entirely different factors of wellbeing. There are no gods to focus attention on, and energy is used towards focusing on the individual as opposed to pleasing other forms of earthly divinities. Curiosity is still very present in these belief systems; there is hope in succeeding daily, as well as the wonder focused around reaching enlightenment. Individuals practices these faiths to understand the world they live in and are optimistic that the energy instilled in these customs will eventually reflect in their own lives. [2] The ideas that these types of beliefs are based upon are the support structures for politics and institutions for many different countries, China’s politics are highly influenced by the teachings. Similarly influences can be found in Japan and Korea’s government policies as well.4
[1]“Spirituality”. 2011.
[2]Smith Howard.“Buddhism in China”. 60-69.
[3]Morgan Peggy.“Religions and the Environment”.
[4]Rodney, Taylor.“The Centered Self Confucian Religions”. 53-115.
Bibliography
Confucianism.In World of Sociology, Gale.The Gale Group.2001.
Morgan, Peggy. “Religions and the Environment”.International Encyclopedia of Environmental Politics. Routledge.2002
Smith, Howard. “Buddhism in China” Chinese Religions. 1968. Pg. 60-69, 112-139.
.Spirituality.Greenwood Dictionary of Education.Greenwood Publishing Company.2011.
Taylor, Rodney. “The Centered Self:Confucian Religions” The Religious Dimensions of Confucianism. 1990. Pg. 53-115
Lindsay Boulerice
Background:
Self-actualization is the basis for various religions. Unlike monotheistic religions and polytheistic religions these beliefs are centered on personal fulfillment as opposed to worshiping other spiritual agents. The focus is primarily on the individual who chooses to practice. Through different methods a spiritual life can alleviate suffering as well as create an enjoyable existence. Religions focused on the self as opposed to a religious deity include Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Shinto. These belief systems date back as far as Christianity and Hinduism which implies that they all were practiced around the same time as well as still practiced today.[1]
Turning Point:
For instance, Confucianism stresses the importance of discovering ones self as well as examining different components about the individual. Accomplishing goals and interpreting the meanings of the progress are all apart of reaching sagehood. To reach the age of the sage is to become a divine being. Practices such as meditation help a person achieve this by expressing the necessity of concentration on balancing the mind and body. For a person to successfully meditate, they need to excuse themselves from family and social circles to be entirely isolated. Thus, meditation is not part of a daily routine but a break from daily life. 1
Buddhism similarly focuses on the individual as well. Buddhism attempts to relieve pain and suffering for the person throughout their lives. Through the teachings of the Eighth Fold Path, and the Four Noble Truths a person may enjoy a pleasant life. Both sets of these philosophies communicate how stresses in life should be dealt with and how to avoid harmful circumstances to have a more prosperous life. By developing a wisdom and understanding of the world one can lead a moral life.2Buddhism demonstrates an enormous appreciation for the earth, and all things on it. All organisms are believed to part of a chain that relies on other organisms to function correctly. Being courteous to other beings allows for the correct natural processes to occur.3
Effect:
These religions are concerned with entirely different factors of wellbeing. There are no gods to focus attention on, and energy is used towards focusing on the individual as opposed to pleasing other forms of earthly divinities. Curiosity is still very present in these belief systems; there is hope in succeeding daily, as well as the wonder focused around reaching enlightenment. Individuals practices these faiths to understand the world they live in and are optimistic that the energy instilled in these customs will eventually reflect in their own lives. [2] The ideas that these types of beliefs are based upon are the support structures for politics and institutions for many different countries, China’s politics are highly influenced by the teachings. Similarly influences can be found in Japan and Korea’s government policies as well.4
[1]“Spirituality”. 2011.
[2]Smith Howard.“Buddhism in China”. 60-69.
[3]Morgan Peggy.“Religions and the Environment”.
[4]Rodney, Taylor.“The Centered Self Confucian Religions”. 53-115.
Bibliography
Confucianism.In World of Sociology, Gale.The Gale Group.2001.
Morgan, Peggy. “Religions and the Environment”.International Encyclopedia of Environmental Politics. Routledge.2002
Smith, Howard. “Buddhism in China” Chinese Religions. 1968. Pg. 60-69, 112-139.
.Spirituality.Greenwood Dictionary of Education.Greenwood Publishing Company.2011.
Taylor, Rodney. “The Centered Self:Confucian Religions” The Religious Dimensions of Confucianism. 1990. Pg. 53-115