Faith and Flourishing: Paths to Peace and Liberation in Eastern Traditions.

Faith and Flourishing: Paths to Peace and Liberation in Eastern Traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism)

Our first essay explored how happiness and blessedness are understood within the Abrahamic faiths, often linking well-being to a relationship with the divine and ethical living. Moving eastward, we find a rich tapestry of religious and philosophical traditions that also grapple with the human condition and the pursuit of ultimate flourishing, though often conceptualised not merely as "happiness" but as peace, liberation, or harmony. This essay, the second in our series, examines how Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism approach the idea of ultimate well-being, exploring their definitions of the highest goal, the source of suffering, the paths to liberation, and their views on the self and reality.

Hinduism: Liberation from the Cycle (Moksha)

In the diverse traditions under the umbrella term "Hinduism," the ultimate positive state is generally understood as Moksha, which means liberation or release. This is liberation from Samsara, the cyclical process of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by Karma (the principle of cause and effect from actions). Moksha is not merely a state of happiness in the conventional sense, but rather a transcendence of all suffering and limitation, a realization of one's true self and its identity with the ultimate reality, Brahman (the absolute, universal consciousness). It is often described as a state of supreme peace, knowledge, and bliss (Ananda).

The fundamental problem that needs overcoming is the cycle of Samsara itself, fueled by ignorance (Avidya) about the true nature of reality and the self, and by desires and attachments to the temporary world (Maya, or illusion). Suffering arises from this ignorance and attachment, trapping beings in a cycle of dissatisfaction and rebirth.

Hinduism offers multiple paths (Yoga) to achieve Moksha, recognizing the diverse natures of individuals. These include the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga) through study and meditation, the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga) to a personal deity, the path of action (Karma Yoga) through selfless duty, and the path of meditation and discipline (Raja Yoga). Ethical conduct and purification are foundational to all paths.

Central to understanding Moksha is the concept of the self (Atman). Hinduism teaches that the individual soul or self (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). The famous Upanishadic phrase "Tat Tvam Asi" means "Thou art That" – your true self is identical with the Absolute. Moksha is the realisation of this identity, a state where the illusion of a separate ego-self dissolves, leading to ultimate freedom and peace.

Buddhism: The End of Suffering (Nirvana)

Buddhism, which arose from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), shares some concepts with Hinduism, such as Karma and Samsara, but offers a distinct path to liberation. The goal in Buddhism is Nirvana, often translated as "extinction" or "cessation." It signifies the extinguishing of the fires of craving, aversion, and ignorance – the root causes of suffering. Nirvana is the liberation from Samsara and the state of ultimate peace, freedom, and reality beyond all conceptual limits. It's not conventional happiness, but a state free from the dissatisfaction inherent in cyclical existence.

The fundamental problem in Buddhism is Dukkha, which is often translated as suffering but more broadly encompasses dissatisfaction, stress, unease, and the inherent unsatisfactoriness of all conditioned existence. The Second Noble Truth states that the cause of Dukkha is craving, attachment, and ignorance.

The path to Nirvana is the Noble Eightfold Path, a practical guide encompassing ethical conduct (right speech, action, livelihood), mental discipline (right effort, mindfulness, concentration/meditation), and wisdom (right understanding, thought). Through meditation, mindfulness, and ethical living, one gradually lessens attachment and craving, cultivates insight into the true nature of reality, and moves towards liberation.

A key difference from Hinduism is the doctrine of Anatta (non-self). Buddhism teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul (Atman). What we perceive as a self is a constantly changing combination of physical and mental components. The illusion of a permanent, separate self is seen as a primary source of craving and suffering. Realising the truth of Anatta is crucial for attaining Nirvana.

Taoism: Harmony with The Way (Tao)

Taoism, originating in ancient China, offers a perspective on flourishing centred around living in harmony with the Tao, often translated as "The Way." The Tao is the ineffable, underlying principle or natural order of the universe. The goal is to live naturally, spontaneously, and effortlessly in accordance with this fundamental flow, cultivating Te (virtue or inherent power derived from the Tao). This leads to a state of balance, contentment, and a kind of peaceful flourishing rather than ecstatic happiness.

The source of suffering or disharmony in Taoism is going against the natural flow of the Tao. This includes excessive striving, artificiality, rigid rules and doctrines that conflict with natural spontaneity, and the imposition of one's rigid will upon the fluid reality. Trying too hard to control life disrupts the natural balance and leads to frustration and unease.

The primary practice in Taoism is Wu Wei (non-action or effortless action). This doesn't mean doing nothing, but acting in accordance with the natural patterns, without forcing or striving against the flow. Other practices include simplicity, humility, living close to nature, meditation, and physical disciplines like Tai Chi, all aimed at cultivating inner stillness and aligning oneself with the Tao.

In Taoism, the self is seen as an integral part of the larger Tao. The focus is less on a distinct, enduring individual soul and more on becoming fully integrated into the cosmic process. By dissolving rigid ego boundaries and flowing with the natural rhythm of the universe, the individual finds peace, effectiveness, and a state of natural well-being.

Conclusion: Beyond Conventional Happiness

Exploring these Eastern traditions reveals perspectives on ultimate well-being that often go beyond the common understanding of "happiness" as primarily an emotional state or worldly pleasure. Hinduism seeks liberation through realising the true self's identity with ultimate reality, Buddhism aims for the cessation of suffering through ending craving and realising non-self, and Taoism pursues peace through harmonious alignment with the natural order.

While their specific goals and paths differ, they share a recognition that attachment, ignorance, and going against fundamental reality are sources of suffering, and that true fulfilment involves a transformation of understanding and way of being that transcends the limitations of the ordinary self and world. These diverse insights challenge us to think more deeply about the nature of flourishing, setting the stage for a broader philosophical reflection on what happiness truly is.