Evaluation Of Metaphysics & Happiness

Jennifer Senior discusses her research concerning positive psychology and whether or not happiness is teachable and highlights some of the darker sides of happiness. To start the article, Senior reveals her score on her test from the Authentic Happiness Inventory. The test designed by Chris Peterson of the positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. This test is intended to numerically score ones level of happiness. In a scale of 1 to 5, Jennifer got a grade of 2.88. This indicated she was below average for most rankings such as “age, education level, gender and occupation” (422). Senior states she is at the 50 percent mark for her given zip code. She stated that liking her

“Happiness is in the enjoyment of man’s chief good. Two conditions of the chief good: 1st, Nothing is better than it; 2nd, it cannot be lost against the will” (Augustine 264-267). As human

In document 4 (The 4 Noble Truths of Buddhism), it says, “This is the origin of suffering: it is this craving which leads to renewed existence.” Buddhism was born in the heart of modern day Nepal, teaching that you must rid yourself of all worldly desires because, desire is the root of all suffering. Taoism is another religion that teaches to let go of your earthly cravings, in order to reach enlightenment. Document 5 it says,” Embrace simplicity. Do not think just of yourself. Make few your desires.” Taoism sprouted up in 3rd century BCE in China. These two religions both not only share some of their key beliefs, but geographically, they both started in similar

Mahatma Gandhi one defined happiness as “when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Barring any better definition of happiness from either positive psychologists, self-help gurus, or any other academic source, I tend to think this is a great summation of the definition of happiness. Gandhi doesn’t say anything about how these things make you feel, rather looks at it from a point of view of harmony between thoughts, expressions, and actions. Since one single accepted definition of happiness doesn’t seem to exist, and happiness is different for everyone, this begs the question; how can you increase your own personal level of happiness?

Taoism has the same worldview as Confucianism or ancient Chinese folk religion. Its philosophy operates within the same paradigms. It celebrates man's association and interdependency with nature. Moving on to a wider plane, the relationship between religion and the universe takes the form of veneration, which lies beyond the confines of time and space, ancestor worship and belief in the sovereign. The principles on which the system thrives even today include Ch'i, Feng Shui, interdependency between life and death, the Eight Immortals and the Ultimate Reality.

Buddhism and Taoism both originated and influenced most the Asian area. They are not just religions but a way of living life with philosophic principles. They are both seeking equality and moral existence. Buddhism have several branches just like the Hinayana, Mahayana, Esoteric, Pure Land, and the Zen Buddhism. Taoism can also be divided into a few. The main ones are the Southern and Northern Taoism. Taoism got many principles borrowed from the Buddhist one they influenced each other through their history. Taoism in the beginning was rather a mixture of mythology, folk, and philosophy teachings. With the arrival of Buddhism, it was forced to renew and reorganize itself. Both of the religion does their practices in monasteries, temples and shrines and also both of them use statues and pictures expressing their beliefs.

Happiness is one of the highest regarded human sentiments in moral philosophy. Most ethical theories take happiness into consideration in some way. The Dalai Lama’s proposal of ethics is no exception, as his ideas are based off the principle of achieving happiness. The Dalai Lama asserts that everyone is the same, in that everyone is a human being who wishes to be happy and avoid suffering. As much as happiness is considered in moral philosophy, there are many different interpretations of what happiness is and how it can be achieved.

Compassion, exalted by Buddhism, is a foundation of happiness, specifically compassion for others. In Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha, the main character, Siddhartha, longs for happiness him self and attempts to change who he is in order to find it, however it is not until he learned to appreciate himself and the rest of the world that he found the happiness he seeked. Early in his journey, Siddhartha insisted that others “were not worth a passing glance… [and] were illusions of sense, happiness, and beauty.” (Hesse, 14) With this distaste, it is clear that Siddhartha is not happy, stating “the world tasted bitter. Life was pain” (14). It was not until he learned to love and appreciate others, that he discovered happiness. He compares himself to those he once despised, accepting that they were much alike: “If they are illusion, then I also

Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism can co-exist for several reasons, but to begin, the religions are considered to be the “three teachings.” Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist beliefs were collective based on their usefulness in self-cultivation. It can be understood that the three teachings have a mutual influence and certain teaching that could be complimentary of each other. Confucianism is a compound school of thought and Its main concepts are morality, politeness or manners, devotion, along with a strict adherence to social roles. Taoism, or Daoism, is a viewpoint focusing on the idea that life is usually happy, but should be lived with balance and virtue. There is a stress on balance found throughout nature. For example, the yin/yang symbol

According to Religions: Taoism, Taoists believe in the Tao, also called the Way. It is a way of life. According to Buddhism v. Taoism, it is a “dynamic existence that is composed of opposing forces”. Meanwhile, although Buddhists follow the teachings of Buddha, they do not regard Buddha as a god, and instead as a teacher. According to Buddhism v. Taoism, they believe that there is no omniscient creator: “The Buddha himself refuted the theistic argument that the universe was created by a self-conscious, personal God.” Additionally, another way that Buddhists and Taoists are similar is their symbols- Buddhists have many while Taoists only have

The Yin Yang is one of the primary principles of Taoist teachings. The concept of two forces present everywhere, completely opposite to each other yet balancing and enhancing each other. They cannot be separated because they exist together in comparison, and splitting one apart will only create the other anew. Although one force can take prevalence over the other for a short time, anything that is in a state of imbalance for long will cease to exist. The universe is composed of and held together by the tension of these two forces, and this concept is in Taoist writings on Abstraction. (A2)

The religions, Confucianism and Taoism, both originate from indigenous Chinese beliefs and practices. Although they come from the same area in the world, they have several differences alongside their similarities. Additionally, they both are influenced by the Tao; however, they have different meanings behind the concept. Taoism can be summed up as appreciating all that is natural; whereas Confucianism is ideal society model created through a lifetime of relationship dedication. Neither of these religions worship a “god,” but they do have their own unique form of worship. The likenesses and differences of Confucianism and Taoism can be found in their beliefs and concepts of self-cultivation, texts, and society and nature.

Weiner is continuing his research, by staying with a journalist friend from New York; her name is Susan. She invites him to meet with a couple of Swiss people to interview their views on happiness. A wealthy banker, a doctor, and a former Hollywood agent who’s lived in Switzerland for the past ten years. Weiner asks them on a scale of 1-10; “how happy are you these days?”, and the responses are as expected, many eights and nines and even a seven. The Swiss interviewees were as shocked as Weiner to see that they were pretty happy with their lives. During the interview with them, he further asks, “what is it that makes them happy?” , the doctor replies, “ Envy.”, explaining that the Swiss will do anything to avoid envy with each other. They live by rules and judgment. Examples: no flushing the toilet after ten or no laughing after midnight, etc.

Religion is defined by one’s belief and experience. One’s experience is something that cannot be seen nor touched. Religious art and symbols trigger the mind and allow the invisible experience to be remembered, seen, or honored. While exploring Buddhism and Taoism, there are different symbols that trigger a different experience and practice. Although both religions share the same goal, Buddhism and Taoism use different practices and symbols to get there. By the same token, the two religions also share similarities in symbolism through their religious practices embracing sacred gods, symbols, and places of worship.

Hinduism finds Karma to play a viable role in how our spiritual existence cycles out. They believe that whatever you do on earth can affect how nice your next existence will be. In Taoism, they come into a balance with a doctrine of “Tao.” A concept of a natural order within the universe. They believe that once they achieve balance and become one with Tao, they will become eternal and after their earthly death their spiritual existence will find its ways on earth once more. Other differences can be found within their religious texts and scriptures. Through Buddhism they have multiple holy texts which of one includes the pali canon meaning “the word of Buddha,” an instruction and a doctrine given to the buddhist people. One of their texts, The Vedas, is shared with Hinduism and is used to explain meaning behind their philosophies through sacred ideals and text. The Tao Te Ching is used in Taoism as the “Way and the Power” of their religious beliefs which is embodied in their day to day lives and Taoist temples throughout China. Hinduism and Buddhism have the same structures of worship which include churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues.