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Nicholas Lukowiak

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Asian religions/philosophies better prepare an individual for pursuits of "divine reality" than that of Western traditions.

Cognitive scientist today (of Western Academics) are predominantly declaring the close association between Buddhist philosophies of "mind" and the today's advancements/discoveries in neurology/psychology. The interesting factors lay in how accurate these philosophers were hundreds of years prior to the precision of science that Academics prize so much today. How and why?

Not only has meditation been proven to achieve higher levels of cognitive awareness, but proven to essentially super activate the brain.

Also, the "second brain" - search engine phrase. Has been a philosophy involving "Chakra," again hundreds of years prior to the precision science of today.

A point of debate here should be: Why is science and philosophy divided when both of their foundations are one of another?

During my pursuits of Eastern Philosophy in comparison to Western Philosophies I found that the most general difference can be seen in metaphysics that is traditionalized in both cultures. In the East Qi is the driving force behind everything; everything is constantly changing. While in the West our idea of matter is static, traditionally. Again why and how?

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In brevity, I find the fact we championed Abrahamic religions in place of the naturalistic-atheistic religions of the east, in history, ultimately made the west divide science and philosophy. I will take from Iain McGilchrist here; the West championed the "servant" we elevated the individuals whom are responsible for great ideas instead of elevating the great ideas.

Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto and Confucianism - religions whom are more accurately "schools of philosophy" than "religions" because as the times changed they all adopted/adapted from one another. They correspond with science advancements with no confrontations because they prize ambiguities and openness. I see this most apparent in the number of citizens in each set of cultures.

Reality cannot be defined in precise terms today (atomism), but in holism.

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Topics: education philosoophy religion
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  • Avi Dey

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    Nov 13 2011: Thanks for your thoughtful question and comments relating to this important topic. I have been interested in comparing "eastern' and 'western" cultures and spiritual values for many years, in fact all of my life, My childhood was spent in India, with strong roots to Hindu/Buddhist spirtiual and cultural values. But I have spent my adult life here in USA, western culture. Asian Americans do very well in America in terms of education and as entrepreneurs in the tecchnology driven society in America. Much has to do with "famiily values" I think based on my own experience and others. But Western Cultures have certain values that are certainly better that eastern cultural hertiage. "Interaction" I hope to discuss in my proposed TED "Debate" that examines two parallel debates on going for several centuries now, "Religion vs Science" and "Nature vs Nurturre". Whis is more imprtant , scholars have been arguing this that now needs to be continued in light of scientific understanding that has emerged about "Genes" in the last 25 years particularly that was not known before ! We are all a "prisoner" of our genes and our culture ! Makes sense ?
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      Nicholas Lukowiak 50+

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      Nov 13 2011: We could be prisoners of our natures and nurtures if we do not reflect on them.

      However, if we have the anticipation that we are biological machines, then we realize we cannot - beat - nature with nurture but we can - work with - nature to enhance nurtures. Nature was here first, nurturing can just start the disputes and understandings, but nature will always win.

      I know philosophies of genes, atoms, and even brain capacities have been disputed on for centuries, and it is a shame that it takes "precision science" in order to say this is credible and this is not...

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