Eastern Wisdom

 

East is the direction of the rising sun and therefore associated with new life, light, spiritual illumination and initiation. Eastern wisdom includes the various philosophies of South and East Asia, including Chinese philosophy, Indian philosophy and Japanese philosophy.

Some of the greatest knowledge about the meaning of life resides in the texts and sutras that make up eastern wisdom. The Bhagavad-Gita teaches a doctrine of universal truth. Its message is universal, sublime, and non-sectarian although it is a part of the scriptural trinity of Sanaatana Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism. The Gita is very easy to understand in any language for a mature mind.

The Chinese wisdom within the Tao Te Ching lays the philosophical foundations for one of the world's great wisdom traditions known as Taoism.

Another great work from the east is The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It teaches the Yogi how to achieve Union or spiritual absorption into the supreme Absolute or God. Yoga teaches us that our true self is the soul and that our self-identity is an illusion to be overcome.

One of the truly great gems of ancient eastern thought is the Diamond Sutra. Zen Buddhists in particular are attracted to it. It is intended as an antidote to suffering, which is achieved through wisdom.

These and other books, such as the Surangama Sutra, are presented for the serious student into mystical thought and seekers of enlightenment. May these texts help you to achieve the greatest achievement of all, the cessation of all suffering in your life.