Can the West Learn from the Rest?

Certainly, there is a lot for the west to learn from the rest in order to create a better balance in the world.

The problem is that the rest is fast becoming like the west thanks to technology. This is not surprising with 300 years of domination based on the famous words “Cogito, ergo sum” - “I think, therefore, I exist”. We need to understand the history of all this in order for us to reorient our thinking which may enable us to learn from the rest.

Rene Descartes separated mind and matter and said that the world has to be described objectively. Here, he provided no role for the human observer. He wrote; “All science is certain, evident knowledge. We reject all knowledge which is merely probable and judge that only those things should be believed which are perfectly known and about which there can be no doubt”. Isaac Newton, John Locke and other thinkers built on this philosophy to seal the fate of our modern world. In effect, the mind rules and the heart lost its place.

The dominant notion is that the universe is a machine and has no spirituality and conscience attached to it. With the heart playing second fiddle, the rational human can manipulate and exploit the universe to meet its own ends using science and technology.

This Cartesian philosophy based on scientific truth seems to dominate western culture. Not understanding the limitations of this has created the current imbalances in nature and society. Certainly, the modern conveniences and longevity we enjoy can be attributed to Descartes but it has fragmented and divided our world.

The human ego has been given prominence, which has led to a separation of our mind with everything around us. So we continue on our consumerist binge without realizing the harm it is causing our society and environment. This disconnect is extended to everything in our life whether it is healthcare, energy, transport, education etc..

Western philosophy has encouraged us to neglect our intuitive nature in place of technical skill, intellectual power and scientific knowledge. Money has become the currency of this power and we have neglected the power of wisdom, spirituality, good values and ethics.

So naturally, we will ignore all consequences of a lifestyle based on money as it has become the value with which success is measured.

I witnessed this stark reality as I visited Canada for a few weeks in July. Many people live in a kind of upper middle class bliss worrying about when to buy the latest technology ridden car, computer or the mobile phone when they have a perfectly good one already. They are cajoled by the media into a life of consumerism which keeps the economic cycles moving in circles. Most are unaware or unmoved by the realities of much of the rest of the world eking out a meager existence living on one dollar a day.
This is not much different in developing country urban areas too now, thanks to globalization and westernization.

What value can the west get from the east to enable change ?

Eastern philosophies are based on notion of interconnectedness. We are all a part of one system interdependent on each other, be it humans, animals, trees, water, the sky, sand, rocks – in fact the entire universe. The human is not at the centre of this universe.

We are only a tiny part of the system and we cannot manipulate it using our mind and technologies without having consequences and an impact on the system.

However, we have an ego that helps to give us a sense of security, however falls it is. Recognizing and dealing with this ego is a part of the mental development process that eastern philosophies promote.

So how can we learn from the east ?.

One thing the eastern philosophies teach us is to become mindful and aware of ourselves in what we say and what we do. Be present to the here and now. One way to do this is to take control of the mind which at any time is a hive of activity.

Meditation is a practical way to taking control of our runaway minds. It will help to focus our mind and to realize what is and is not important. When we can control our mind, we can look at what we fear in a different light, as fear motivates us most. We are afraid of change. By controlling our mind, we begin to accept that life is impermanent and that change is imminent. One day we will be no more.

Taking control of our minds may help us to control feelings of jealousy and hatred that arise every so often towards other people. Then we realize that fear is the root cause of those too.

Taking control of our mind will help to open up our heart. That way, we can learn to be more tolerant and understanding as we realize that we are but a tiny part of the universe. When we realize our insignificance, our egos will be humbled. Then we may realize that all the money, the nice houses, the cars and gadgets in the world will not bring us true happiness. True happiness comes from an open heart - being grateful for what we have, being generous, having love and compassion towards all that lives around us.

So, certainly, the west can learn from the east. West can learn to focus on self not to hoard in the name of liberty and freedom but to become mindful of thoughts, words and deeds and realize that we have to balance our heart and the mind. This fusion between the west and the east is bound to bring peace to this world.

Therefore, the new world should be based on another saying “I think, therefore I am mindful”.

Lalith Gunaratne
5th September 2007

Colombo
Sri Lanka