There are certainly some similarities between the philosophy of spinosa and Buddhism. Although these philosophies come from different cultures and historical backgrounds, they share similar perspectives in their understanding of the universe and existence, and the relationship between the individual and the whole.
Understanding the nature of the universe.
- Spinoza believed that the entire universe (nature) is identical to God and that all beings are expressions of this cosmic God. From the perspective of “God Immediately Nature,” he understood that all things are connected to each other and are not separate and independent entities.
- Buddhism teaches that all existence depends on origin. This is the viewpoint that everything exists in dependence on each other, and that there is no independent self. Buddhism also teaches the essential selflessness of form through the concept of hollow.
The relationship between the individual and the whole.
- In Spinoza’s thought, the individual being functions as part of the whole, the individual and the whole are inseparable. This understanding removes artificial boundaries between self and world, self and other.
- Buddhism also sees each individual being as intimately related to the whole (the universe). The teaching of karma emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and makes us aware of an expansion beyond individual existence.
Facing the Self
- Spinoza believed that through reason and self-awareness, one can understand oneself as part of nature (God) and find true freedom and joy. This self-understanding leads to the inner peace that comes when an individual lives according to the laws of nature.
- In Buddhism, through meditation and enlightenment, one explores the inner self and seeks to transcend the illusions of the ego and find the true self. This process is directly connected to the overcoming of suffering and the realization of inner peace.
- 「神の一部としての自己」と「 Union with the Permanent Transcendent 」は同じニュアンスだね
Because of these similarities, Spinoza’s thought and Buddhism overlap in their understanding of the essential oneness and interdependence of existence, and in their search for a way of life and self-awareness based on this understanding. Both offer a spiritual path toward personal inner peace and harmony with the external world, and both have much to offer the modern person.
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