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'''Eastern philosophy''' refers very broadly to the various [[philosophy|philosophies]] of [[India]], [[China]], [[Japan]], [[Korea]],and, to some extent, of [[Iran|Iran (Persia)]].

'''Eastern philosophy''' refers very broadly to the various [[philosophy|philosophies]] of [[India]], [[China]], [[Japan]], [[Korea]],and, to some extent, of [[Iran|Iran (Persia)]].

The usefulness of dividing [[philosophy]] into [[Western philosophy]] and other philosophies, in contrast to the notion that philosophy is universal rather than divided, is open to challenge, partly because it could appear to be condescending to non-Western philosophies.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} To say this is not to deny that there are important traditions in philosophy that are intimately bound up with historical and geographical circumstances.  At the same time however, there are examples of philosophers who are persecuted by the majority in their geographical circumstances and stand against the common opinions and practices of their specific time and place.  Many claim that geographical and time notions of "Western" and "Eastern" philosophy is too vague and imprecise, committing the [[fallacy]] of overgeneralization.

The usefulness of dividing [[philosophy]] into [[Western philosophy]] and other philosophies, in contrast to the notion that philosophy is universal rather than divided, is open to challenge, partly because it could appear to be condescending to non-Western philosophies. To say this is not to deny that there are important traditions in philosophy that are intimately bound up with historical and geographical circumstances.  At the same time however, there are examples of philosophers who are persecuted by the majority in their geographical circumstances and stand against the common opinions and practices of their specific time and place.  Many claim that geographical and time notions of "Western" and "Eastern" philosophy is too vague and imprecise, committing the [[fallacy]] of overgeneralization.

When the term "philosophy" is used in an academic context, it typically refers to the philosophical tradition begun with the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] that provided us with an abundance of manuscripts and archeological sites to study and research.  The "Eastern philosophical" manuscripts and archeological sites are often overlooked in many North American and European universities, just as ancient "Western" and monotheistic claims are also overlooked in the last few decades, unlike in the early 1900s.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}

When the term "philosophy" is used in an academic context, it typically refers to the philosophical tradition begun with the [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]] that provided us with an abundance of manuscripts and archeological sites to study and research.  The "Eastern philosophical" manuscripts and archeological sites are often overlooked in many North American and European universities, just as ancient "Western" and monotheistic claims are also overlooked in the last few decades, unlike in the early 1900s.

== Major philosophical and religious traditions ==

== Major philosophical and religious traditions ==

Most Buddhist sects believe in [[karma]], a cause-and-effect relationship between all that has been done and all that will be done. Events that occur are held to be the direct result of previous events. One effect of karma is rebirth. At death, the karma from a given life determines the nature of the next life's existence. The ultimate goal of a Buddhist practitioner is to eliminate karma (both good and bad), end the cycle of rebirth and suffering, and attain [[Nirvana]], usually translated as  ''awakening'' or ''enlightenment.''

Most Buddhist sects believe in [[karma]], a cause-and-effect relationship between all that has been done and all that will be done. Events that occur are held to be the direct result of previous events. One effect of karma is rebirth. At death, the karma from a given life determines the nature of the next life's existence. The ultimate goal of a Buddhist practitioner is to eliminate karma (both good and bad), end the cycle of rebirth and suffering, and attain [[Nirvana]], usually translated as  ''awakening'' or ''enlightenment.''

''See also: [[Buddhism]] — [[Schools of Buddhism]]''

See also: [[Buddhism]]

==== Chan/Zen Buddhism ====

==== Chan/Zen Buddhism ====

Zen practitioners engage in [[zazen]] (''sitting'') meditation, as other schools do, but Zen is noted for [[shikantaza]] (''just sitting'') as opposed to following the breath or mantra use. The Rinzai school is noteworthy for the use of [[koan]]s, riddles designed to force the student to abandon futile attempts to understand the nature of the universe through logic.

Zen practitioners engage in [[zazen]] (''sitting'') meditation, as other schools do, but Zen is noted for [[shikantaza]] (''just sitting'') as opposed to following the breath or mantra use. The Rinzai school is noteworthy for the use of [[koan]]s, riddles designed to force the student to abandon futile attempts to understand the nature of the universe through logic.

''See also: [[Chinese Buddhism]] — [[Buddhism in Japan]] — [[Korean Buddhism]]''

''See also: [[Chinese Buddhism]] — [[Buddhism in Japan]] & [[Korean Buddhism]]''

=== Carvaka ===

=== Carvaka ===

===Ancient Egyptian Religion===

===Ancient Egyptian Religion===

The [[ancient Egypt]]ian religion, embodied in Egyptian mythology, is a succession of beliefs held by the people of Egypt, as early as predynastic times and all the way until the coming of Christianity and Islam in the Græco-Roman and Arab eras. These were conducted by Egyptian priests or magicians.

The [[ancient Egypt]]ian religion, embodied in Egyptian mythology, is a succession of beliefs held by the people of Egypt, as early as predynastic times and all the way until the coming of Christianity and Islam in the Græco-Roman and Arab eras. These were conducted by Egyptian priests or magicians.

=== Hinduism ===

=== Hinduism ===

Hinduism ''Sanātana Dharma'', roughly Perennial Faith) is generally considered to be the oldest [[major world religions|major world religion]]<ref>[http://www.world-faiths.com/Hinduism/hinduism.htm World Faiths - Hinduism]</ref> and first among [[Dharmic religion|Dharma faiths]]. Hinduism is characterized by a diverse array of belief systems, practices and scriptures. It has its origin in ancient [[Vedic civilization|Vedic]] culture at least as far back as [[3000 BC]]. It is the third largest religion with approximately 1.05 [[1000000000 (number)|billion]] followers worldwide, 96% of whom live in the [[Indian subcontinent]].  

Hinduism ''Sanātana Dharma'', roughly Perennial Faith) is generally considered to be the oldest [[major world religions|major world religion]] [http://www.world-faiths.com/Hinduism/hinduism.htm World Faiths - Hinduism] and first among [[Dharmic religion|Dharma faiths]]. Hinduism is characterized by a diverse array of belief systems, practices and scriptures. It has its origin in ancient [[Vedic civilization|Vedic]] culture at least as far back as [[3000 BC]]. It is the third largest religion with approximately 1.05 [[1000000000 (number)|billion]] followers worldwide, 96% of whom live in the [[Indian subcontinent]].  

Hinduism rests on the spiritual bedrock of the [[Vedas]], hence Veda [[Dharma]], and their mystic issue, the [[Upanishads]], as well as the teachings of many great Hindu [[guru]]s through the ages. Many streams of thought flow from the six Vedic/Hindu [[Hindu philosophy|schools]], [[Bhakti yoga|Bhakti]] sects and [[Tantra]] Agamic schools into the one ocean of Hinduism, the first of the Dharma religions. Also, the sacred book [[Bhagavad Gita]] is one of the most revered texts among Hindus.

Hinduism rests on the spiritual bedrock of the [[Vedas]], hence Veda [[Dharma]], and their mystic issue, the [[Upanishads]], as well as the teachings of many great Hindu [[guru]]s through the ages. Many streams of thought flow from the six Vedic/Hindu [[Hindu philosophy|schools]], [[Bhakti yoga|Bhakti]] sects and [[Tantra]] Agamic schools into the one ocean of Hinduism, the first of the Dharma religions. Also, the sacred book [[Bhagavad Gita]] is one of the most revered texts among Hindus.

The rise of [[Islam]] led to emergence of various philosophical schools of thought. Amongst them [[sufism]] established esoteric philosophy, mu'tazilah (inspired from [[Greek Philosophy]]) reconstructed [[rationalism]] while [[asharites]] cast significant impact on the non-reliability of [[reason]] and reshaped logical and rational interpretation of [[God]], [[justice]], [[destiny]] and [[universe]].  

The rise of [[Islam]] led to emergence of various philosophical schools of thought. Amongst them [[sufism]] established esoteric philosophy, mu'tazilah (inspired from [[Greek Philosophy]]) reconstructed [[rationalism]] while [[asharites]] cast significant impact on the non-reliability of [[reason]] and reshaped logical and rational interpretation of [[God]], [[justice]], [[destiny]] and [[universe]].  

[[Sufism]] (تصوف {{unicode|taṣawwuf}}) is a school of [[esoteric]] philosophy in [[Islam]], which is based on the pursuit of [[spirituality|spiritual]] [[truth]] as a definite goal to attain. In order to attain this supreme truth, Sufism has marked ''Lataif-e-Sitta'' (the six subtleties), ''Nafs'', ''Qalb'', ''Sirr'', ''Ruh'' ([[spirit]]), ''Khafi'' and ''Akhfa''. Apart from conventional religious practices, they also perform Muraqaba ([[meditation]]), Dhikr (Zikr or recitation), Chillakashi ([[asceticism]]) and Sama ([[esoteric]] [[music]] and [[dance]]).

[[Sufism]] (تصوف - taṣawwuf) is a school of [[esoteric]] philosophy in [[Islam]], which is based on the pursuit of [[spirituality|spiritual]] [[truth]] as a definite goal to attain. In order to attain this supreme truth, Sufism has marked ''Lataif-e-Sitta'' (the six subtleties), ''Nafs'', ''Qalb'', ''Sirr'', ''Ruh'' ([[spirit]]), ''Khafi'' and ''Akhfa''. Apart from conventional religious practices, they also perform Muraqaba ([[meditation]]), Dhikr (Zikr or recitation), Chillakashi ([[asceticism]]) and Sama ([[esoteric]] [[music]] and [[dance]]).

al-mu'tazilah (المعتزلة) or [[Mu'tazili]]te is another controversial theological school of [[philosophy]] in early Islam. They called themselves '''Ahl al-'Adl wa al-Tawhid''' ("People of Justice and Monotheism"). They were the first who advocated [[free will]] and expanded the (western) rationalism in Islamic society. They also developed [[Kalam]] based on Greek [[dialectic]]. They ascended dramatically during 8th and [[9th century]] due to support of intellectual and elites, but could not appeal to the masses. Later in the [[13th century]], they lost official support and most of their valuable works were destroyed.

al-mu'tazilah (المعتزلة) or [[Mu'tazili]]te is another controversial theological school of [[philosophy]] in early Islam. They called themselves '''Ahl al-'Adl wa al-Tawhid''' ("People of Justice and Monotheism"). They were the first who advocated [[free will]] and expanded the (western) rationalism in Islamic society. They also developed [[Kalam]] based on Greek [[dialectic]]. They ascended dramatically during 8th and [[9th century]] due to support of intellectual and elites, but could not appeal to the masses. Later in the [[13th century]], they lost official support and most of their valuable works were destroyed.

=== Jewish philosophy ===

=== Jewish philosophy ===

[[Jewish]] philosophy is continually shaped by the [[Torah]], [[Tanakh]], [[Talmud]], [[Midrash]] and Kabbalistic traditions.  Much of philosophy (Hashkafa) is also considered in reference to mussar: self-improvement and education to attain a higher purpose - to become close to the Creator. [http://www.shechem.org/torah/mesyesh/h1.htm  Luzzato, M.Ch.] ''פרק א'' מסילת ישרים </ref>  Philosophical discussions in the Talmud usually center around legal issues, and the legal implications of having a particular philosophy.  Midrash and [[Kabbalah]] follow a more overarching philosophical style which deal with issues such as ein sof - without end.  The main feature is that the Eternal Creator is a given and is One and unique.  Rambam (Maimonides) in is classic: Moreh Nevuchim (''Guide to the Perplexed''), clarifies this principal in Greco terms.

[[Jewish]] philosophy is continually shaped by the [[Torah]], [[Tanakh]], [[Talmud]], [[Midrash]] and Kabbalistic traditions.  Much of philosophy (Hashkafa) is also considered in reference to mussar: self-improvement and education to attain a higher purpose - to become close to the Creator. [http://www.shechem.org/torah/mesyesh/h1.htm  Luzzato, M.Ch.] ''פרק א'' מסילת ישרים   Philosophical discussions in the Talmud usually center around legal issues, and the legal implications of having a particular philosophy.  Midrash and [[Kabbalah]] follow a more overarching philosophical style which deal with issues such as ein sof - without end.  The main feature is that the Eternal Creator is a given and is One and unique.  Rambam (Maimonides) in is classic: Moreh Nevuchim (''Guide to the Perplexed''), clarifies this principal in Greco terms.

=== Legalism ===

=== Legalism ===

=== Zoroastrianism and Dualism ===

=== Zoroastrianism and Dualism ===

Zoroastrianism is the earliest known [[monotheistic]] religion, which originated in [[Iran]]. Zoroastrianism has a dualistic nature ([[Ahura Mazda]] and [[Angra Mainyu]]), with an additional series of six important angel-like entities called the [[Amesha Spentas]]. In modern Zoroastrianism they are interpreted as aspects or emanations of Ahura Mazda (the Supreme Being), who form a heptad that is good and constructive. They are opposed to another group of seven who are evil and destructive. It is this persistent conflict between good and evil that distinguishes Zoroastrianism from monotheistic frameworks that have only one power as supreme. By requiring its adherents to have faith and belief in ''equally opposing'' powers Zoroastrianism characterizes itself as dualistic.

Zoroastrianism is the earliest known [[monotheistic]] religion, which originated in [[Iran]]. Zoroastrianism has a dualistic nature ([[Ahura Mazda]] and [[Angra Mainyu]]), with an additional series of six important angel-like entities called the [[Amesha Spentas]]. In modern Zoroastrianism they are interpreted as aspects or emanations of Ahura Mazda (the Supreme Being), who form a heptad that is good and constructive. They are opposed to another group of seven who are evil and destructive. It is this persistent conflict between good and evil that distinguishes Zoroastrianism from monotheistic frameworks that have only one power as supreme. By requiring its adherents to have faith and belief in ''equally opposing'' powers Zoroastrianism characterizes itself as dualistic.

# ''Rencyism'': delpina...The latest known religion in the world....stunaa.. more popularly known as Gogilba... deppa... kaptlaa....

# ''Rencyism'': delpina...The latest known religion in the world....stunaa.. more popularly known as Gogilba... deppa... kaptlaa....

''See also: [[Manichaeism]] &mdash; [[Mazdakism]] &mdash; [[Iranian philosophy|Persian philosophy]]''

''See also: [[Manichaeism]], [[Mazdakism]] & [[Iranian philosophy|Persian philosophy]]''

==Arguments against the classification "Eastern philosophy"==

==Arguments against the classification "Eastern philosophy"==