Transcendentalism, a philosophical and social movement that emerged in the early 19th century, profoundly impacted American society and culture. In this Mantra101.blog post, we will explore the origins, key figures, and enduring influences of Transcendentalism in 19th century America.

Transcendentalism originated in the 1830s in the Eastern United States as a reaction against the intellectualism of Harvard University and the doctrine of the Unitarian church. It was influenced by Romanticism, particularly the works of English poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the philosophy of Immanuel Kant.

The movement’s most notable figures include Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Margaret Fuller, and Amos Bronson Alcott. Emerson’s essay “Nature” (1836) is often considered the starting point of Transcendentalist literature, setting forth the core ideas of the movement.

Transcendentalists believed in the inherent goodness of both people and nature. They advocated for the idea that society and its institutions—particularly organized religion and political parties—corrupted the purity of the individual. They believed that people are at their best when they are self-reliant and independent.

A central concept in Transcendentalism is the belief in an ideal spiritual state that ‘transcends’ the physical and empirical and is only realized through the individual’s intuition, rather than through the doctrines of established religions.

In my last blog post, I talked briefly on what are some definitions of consciousness, and what the general notion around the concept of the mind is like. In this Mantra101.blog post, I will be exploring how consciousness is seen today, and how we blend science, philosophy, and psychology into further defining this puzzling concept.

Consciousness isn’t binary; it exists on a continuum. There are various levels of consciousness, including:

• Wakefulness: The state we’re in most of our day, aware of our surroundings.
• Dreaming: REM sleep, where we experience vivid narratives.
• Deep sleep: A state where consciousness seems absent but isn’t entirely switched off.
• Altered states: Achieved through meditation, hypnosis, or substances.

Moreover, there are states like coma or vegetative states that challenge our understanding of consciousness.

Despite our strides in philosophy, science, and technology, consciousness remains enigmatic. However, the continuing interdisciplinary exploration – blending neuroscience, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and other fields – promises potential breakthroughs. As artificial intelligence advances, questions about machine consciousness have also begun to emerge, pushing the boundaries of this age-old debate.

Consciousness, ultimately in its essence, is our intimate connection to the world. It’s what allows us to experience, reflect, and engage with the universe. While its intricacies remain wrapped in layers of mystery, it’s central to our understanding of existence and identity. As we continue to explore the vast expanse of consciousness, we inch closer not just to comprehending our minds but also the very fabric of reality.

In my last Mantra101 blog post, I delved into the basic accepted definition for consciousness. In this blog post, I will diving into how consciousness was explored and defined by Eastern Philosophy.

1. Hinduism and the Concept of Atman

At the core of Hindu thought lies the idea of the “Atman” or the self. This isn’t the ego-driven self, laden with desires and identities, but a universal consciousness that dwells within every being. Atman represents the true self – pure consciousness. This consciousness is not a function or a byproduct; it is fundamental and eternal. Hindu sages posit that realizing one’s Atman is identical to Brahman, the universal spirit, leading to ultimate enlightenment or moksha. The Upanishads, ancient Hindu texts, often describe the Atman as “subtler than the subtlest and larger than the largest.” The realization that one’s Atman is synonymous with Brahman, the ultimate cosmic principle, is the pinnacle of spiritual awakening in many Hindu traditions. Essentially, the Hinduist would argue that your innermost consciousness is no different from the universal consciousness.

2. Buddhism and the Doctrine of Anatman

Buddhism offers a nuanced divergence from many other Eastern philosophies. The Buddha posited anatman, which means “no-self” or “non-self.” Instead of a permanent, immutable soul, an individual’s existence is seen as a composite of five aggregates (skandhas) – form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. Consciousness, or vinnana, isn’t a constant stream but a series of discrete moments or events that arise and pass away. Each moment of consciousness depends on specific conditions and is deeply interconnected with other phenomena. This transient nature of consciousness reinforces the Buddhist doctrine of impermanence and interconnectedness.

3. Daoism and the Way

Daoism, rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom, revolves around understanding the Dao, often translated as “The Way” or “The Path.” Dao represents the ultimate reality, yet remains indefinable and mysterious. Consciousness, in the Daoist context, isn’t just about individual awareness but about harmonizing one’s inner nature with the external rhythm of the Dao. By doing so, one achieves ‘wu wei,’ often translated as “non-action” or “effortless action.” This doesn’t imply passivity but denotes a state of consciousness where one’s actions are perfectly aligned with the natural order, free from personal desires and societal constructs.

4. Zen Buddhism and the Direct Experience

Zen Buddhism, with its roots in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizes the direct, intuitive understanding of reality. It sidesteps the intellectual and doctrinal to focus on the experiential. In Zen, consciousness isn’t something to dissect and discuss; it’s something to be lived and experienced directly. The Zen approach often involves meditation (zazen), where the practitioner sits in quiet reflection, observing the movements of the mind. Through this, they aim to experience a non-dualistic state of consciousness, where the observer and the observed merge into one. Zen koans, often puzzling and contradictory, are used as tools to jolt the mind out of logical frameworks, enabling a direct glimpse into the true nature of reality.

5. Yogic Traditions and the Layers of Consciousness

Yoga, while commonly associated with physical postures, at its core, is a philosophical and spiritual discipline. Ancient texts like the “Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” outline a comprehensive path to spiritual awakening. Central to this is understanding the layers of consciousness. Beyond the apparent waking state (jagrat), the yogic traditions identify the dream state (swapna), the deep sleep state (sushupti), and the transcendental state (turiya). Each state offers a different facet of consciousness, with turiya representing the pinnacle—where individual awareness merges with universal consciousness, leading to enlightenment.

Eastern philosophies provide a multifaceted exploration of consciousness. From the Atman’s eternal essence, the ever-changing stream of Buddhist consciousness, Dao’s harmonious rhythm, the direct insight of Zen, to Yoga’s layered states of awareness—each offers a unique perspective on the concept of Consciousness, and can help us rethink and refine our own definitions. As global dialogues on consciousness evolve, these ancient teachings continue to offer invaluable insights, enriching our understanding of the mind and our place in the cosmos.

Recently, I stumbled upon a Youtube video dubbed, “What is Self-Consciousness”, where the youtuber (I am sorry but I couldn’t find his name), delved into the nature of self-awareness and consciousness itself. This lead me into a rabbit hole analyzing and researching how various philosophies viewed consciousness (both as mental and physical phenomena). However, in this Mantra101 blog post, I just wanted to explicitly define a general definition on what the concept of consciousness is. The term “consciousness” is ubiquitous, encountered in the realms of science, philosophy, literature, and everyday discourse. But what does it mean? What constitutes consciousness? And why has it remained one of the most debated, studied, and yet unresolved questions in human history? It’s important to remember that consciousness is a topic that has no true definition, but it is important to be knowledgeable about its generally accepted nature.

At its core, consciousness refers to awareness. This could be awareness of external stimuli (like seeing a tree or hearing a song) or internal thoughts and feelings (like recalling a memory or experiencing pain). Consciousness encompasses a broad spectrum of experiences – from the most mundane, such as feeling the texture of your shirt, to the profound, such as pondering the mysteries of the universe.

From a scientific standpoint, especially in neuroscience, consciousness is often tied to the functioning of the brain. Researchers study brain waves, neural networks, and specific brain regions to discern patterns linked with conscious experience. However, the biological basis of consciousness and how subjective experiences arise from brain activity remains an open question.

Philosophers have dissected the nature of consciousness for millennia. Some questions include:

• Is consciousness merely a byproduct of physical processes, or is it fundamental?
• Can non-human animals be conscious?
• How does one’s subjective experience of the color red, for example, arise from neural processes?

For example, the philosopher Thomas Nagel once pondered what it’s like to be a bat – highlighting the deeply subjective and individual nature of consciousness, which makes it difficult to describe or understand fully from an external perspective. But, we will dive into these varying definitions and notions soon in our next blog post.

In the last Mantra101 blog post, we explored different philosophies’ approaches to the concept of discipline. In this Mantra 101 blog post, we will be diving deeper into this topic, analyzing Buddhism’s, Utilitarianism’s, Hedonism’s, and Nihilism’s responses to the matter.

4. Buddhism

Founded in ancient India, Buddhism is centered around the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose human suffering and its causes, and the Eightfold Path, which offers a method to end the aforementioned suffering. Buddhism emphasizes meditation, moral conduct, and insight, and posits that the ultimate goal in life is to achieve enlightenment, or Nirvana: essentially, a Buddhist argues that if one follows the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, they will achieve Nirvana.

In Buddhism, discipline (often referred to as ‘Sila’ in Pali) is integral to the path of enlightenment. The Eightfold Path, which guides Buddhists towards Nirvana, begins with Right View and Right Intention—both requiring a disciplined mind. Meditation, mindfulness, and adherence to moral precepts are all forms of discipline that help in the cessation of suffering.

Buddhism approaches self-discipline primarily through the practice of meditation and asceticism. By understanding the impermanent nature of desires and the root causes of suffering, one can cultivate a disciplined mind. The Eightfold Path outlines practices that require rigorous self-discipline, including right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

5. Utilitarianism

A consequentialist (the ends always justify the means) philosophy, utilitarianism asserts that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, generally defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number. It’s often associated with hedonic calculations, weighing pleasure against pain.

From a utilitarian perspective, advocated by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, discipline might be viewed through the lens of the ‘greatest good’. In other words, if practicing discipline leads to the greatest happiness for the greatest number, then it is a worthy endeavor (think, let’s say, living a disciplined life as a farmer provides food for many people) . However, if discipline becomes oppressive or overly restrictive, it could be counter-productive from a utilitarian standpoint (think, dystopian governments that enforce work quotas).

On the other hand, existentialists like Sartre and de Beauvoir prioritize individual freedom, this freedom comes with responsibility. In existential thought, self-discipline could be viewed as the commitment to live authentically, fully embracing one’s freedom and the consequences of one’s choices.

6. Hedonism

Contrary to popular misconceptions about hedonism, the philosophy isn’t about indulgence without restraint. For instance, while enjoying good food can be pleasurable, overindulging can lead to discomfort or health problems. Hedonism values pleasure or happiness is the highest “good”, or thing in life. There are various forms, but at its core, hedonism asserts that individuals are primarily motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain (they think of pleasure vs pain in the terms of net gain).

Epicureanism, a branch of hedonism, posits that discipline can lead to the highest form of pleasure: a life free from pain and mental disturbance. For Epicurus and his followers, discipline is essential: some temporary self-denials and discipline could lead to a more sustained, tranquil happiness. Not every pleasure should be pursued, and not every pain should be avoided. It requires discipline to assess which pleasures are worth seeking, especially when immediate pleasures might lead to long-term pain. For instance, the pleasure of laziness might be immediately gratifying, but in the long run, it could lead to missed opportunities and regrets.

7. The Existentialist-Nihilist Intersection

Originating in the 19th century, nihilism posits that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. The term “nihilism” originates from the Latin word “nihil,” which means “nothing.” It can manifest in many ways, including rejection of religious and moral principles or a belief that life lacks order or meaning. This perspective challenges religious, moral, and societal structures that claim to offer absolute or universal truths.

While existentialism emphasizes personal meaning, nihilism questions or denies inherent meaning in life. From a nihilistic viewpoint, discipline could be seen as arbitrary or even meaningless. However, some existentialist-nihilist thinkers argue that in the absence of inherent meaning, self-imposed discipline can create personal structure and purpose.

Conclusion

The concept of discipline is vast and multi-faceted, and various philosophical traditions offer unique insights into its value and implementation. Whether seen as a path to personal virtue, societal harmony, individual authenticity, or even the highest pleasure, discipline remains a topic of enduring relevance and intrigue. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, these perspectives can offer guidance and clarity on our journey towards self-improvement and understanding.

Discipline is a concept that has intrigued thinkers for millennia. Often intertwined with notions of self-control, perseverance, and personal growth, it’s a subject that evokes a myriad of responses across different philosophical traditions. From ancient scriptures to modern self-help books, the quest for mastering one’s impulses and actions has been a consistent theme. How does one cultivate this treasured attribute, and why is it considered so crucial? In this Mantra101 blog post, we will explore how some of the different approaches and interpretations that various philosophies hold toward the idea of discipline. First, I will give a brief description on the mentioned philosophies, and then I will discuss their different responses to Discipline.

1. Stoicism

Originating from ancient Greece, Stoicism teaches that virtue, such as wisdom, is happiness and that our judgment should be based on behavior, rather than words. It holds that we don’t have control over external events, but we do control our responses: thus, we should accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately.

The Stoics valued discipline immensely. For them, discipline wasn’t just about adhering to a regimen, but a way to live in accordance with nature. For example, Marcus Aurelius believed that by practicing discipline, one could maintain tranquility, make rational decisions, and be indifferent to external events, focusing instead on one’s own virtue and character. I would personally recommend that students adopt this approach to discipline, as I have found that this philosophy works best in an academic environment, where a student’s life is dictated much by their own actions as well as the actions of others.

2. Confucianism

Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, Confucianism is based on the teachings of Confucius (naturally). It emphasizes morality at both the personal and governmental levels, stressing the importance of family, respect for elders, and the cultivation of character. Rituals, relationships, and righteousness are central themes of this antique philosophy.

Confucianism sees discipline as a cornerstone of a harmonious society, emphasizing the importance of rituals, routines, and education as forms of discipline. According to the Confucianist, following these prescribed practices, individuals can cultivate virtue, bringing about social order and personal growth.

3. Existentialism

Originating in the 20th century, existentialism is a more recent philosophy. Existentialism posits that individuals are free and responsible agents who must create their own essence through choices; it emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, responsibility, and subjective meaning, often against the backdrop of an indifferent or even absurd universe. Existentialists argue that the goal of existence is to find one’s “essence”, or purpose in life: contrary to other beings, whose essence (purpose, function) is defined prior to their existence (ex. a knife is created to cut), humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must define it for themselves.

Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche offer a more individualistic perspective on discipline. While the concept is not outrightly rejected, these thinkers, who stress personal freedom and authenticity, would define discipline as a vehicle, rather than a virtue. Discipline is still valued in existentialism, insofar as it is a chosen commitment and aligns with an individual’s true self or existential project. For example, if Person A is an intrinsically motivated human being who strives to achieve their best life through a strict and structured way of living, the existentialist would embrace Person A’s discipline. However, let’s say that Person B is an intrinsically lazy and unmotivated individual, who is reduced to living a sedentary and unproductive life. Person B’s close friend, or family member (it doesn’t really matter), then enforces a strict routine with the aim at transforming Person B’s life to Person A’s. Yet, since Person B doesn’t enforce this change through their own commitment, Person B is not achieving their own essence or individual freedom through this process, even though it seemingly is improving their life.

In my last blog post, I discussed the relationship between Confucianism and the topics of Pleasure/Abstinence. In this blog post, I will be again discussing these topics.

3. Abstinence and Discipline

While Confucianism does not promote abstinence from life’s pleasures, it does stress the importance of discipline in one’s approach to them. By exercising self-control and not allowing oneself to be led astray by fleeting desires, an individual can cultivate virtue and maintain harmony both within oneself and in society.

In many ways, abstinence in Confucianism can be seen as a method to cultivate one’s character, rather than an end in itself.

4. The Middle Path

The core of Confucian teaching lies in the Doctrine of the Mean, or the pursuit of balance. Instead of advocating for complete abstinence or unbridled indulgence, Confucianism encourages individuals to find a middle path—a balance between enjoying the pleasures of life and maintaining one’s ethical integrity.

5. The Role of Rituals

Rituals play a crucial role in Confucian philosophy. They are seen as the means through which society maintains order, individuals cultivate virtue, and the balance between pleasure and restraint is maintained. By adhering to rituals, one can engage in pleasures in a manner that is respectful, controlled, and does not lead to excess.

Conclusion

Confucian philosophy offers a nuanced perspective on pleasure and abstinence. Rather than presenting them as opposing forces, it views them as interconnected elements that can coexist in harmony. By practicing moderation and maintaining an ethical stance, one can find joy in life’s pleasures without compromising one’s virtue.

In today’s world, where instant gratification is often celebrated, the ancient wisdom of Confucianism provides a timely reminder of the value of balance, restraint, and the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Confucian Philosophy on Pleasure and Abstinence

Confucianism, originating from the teachings of the ancient Chinese sage Confucius (Kongzi), emphasizes morality, family values, and respect for elders and tradition. While Confucianism is often seen primarily as a system of ethics and governance, its views on pleasure and abstinence offer a unique lens through which we can explore the delicate balance between enjoying life’s pleasures and maintaining one’s virtue. In this Mantra101 blog post, we will explore the principles of Confucianism in relation to the topics of Pleasure and Abstinence.

1. Pleasure in Moderation

In Confucian thought, pleasures are not intrinsically bad. Pleasures from food, drink, music, and other aesthetic experiences can be appreciated and enjoyed. For Confucius, it is the excessive pursuit of these pleasures that becomes problematic.

The “Analects,” a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his disciples, frequently touches upon the theme of moderation. In one instance, Confucius says: “Riches and honors are what men desire. If they cannot be obtained in the proper way, they should not be held.”

This doesn’t mean that riches and pleasures should be rejected outright. Rather, they should be pursued in the “proper way”—with moderation and in accordance with moral principles.

2. The Dangers of Excess

Excessive indulgence in pleasures can cloud judgment, lead to immoderate behaviors, and stray an individual from the path of righteousness and virtue. It is not the pleasures themselves, but the attachment or overindulgence in them, that Confucianism warns against.

In the Analects, Confucius highlights the value of restraint: “To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to righteousness. To know to be ashamed is to be near to courage.”

This is a Continuation of the last Mantra101 blog post on how Students can use Mindfulness meditation to achieve academic success. In my last blog post, I briefly touched again on the characteristics of Mindfulness meditation and how it can be used in school; in this mantra 101 blog post, we will explore how Mindfulness Meditation can actually be implemented into a student’s daily life.

Implementing Mindfulness Meditation in a Student’s Routine

1. Start Small

• Beginning with just 5 minutes a day can make a significant difference. Gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable with the practice.

2. Find a Quiet Space

• Look for a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed during your meditation.

3. Use a Guide

• Initially, guided meditations can be immensely helpful. There are numerous apps and online resources available for free.

4. Make it a Routine

• Consistency is key. Try to meditate at the same time every day to establish a habit.

5. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself

• Mindfulness is a skill, and like any skill, it requires practice. Don’t be too hard on yourself if your mind wanders.

Mindfulness in the Classroom

More and more educators are recognizing the benefits of mindfulness and are incorporating it into the classroom setting. Simple practices such as taking a few deep breaths before a test or engaging in a short guided meditation at the beginning of class can help to create a more focused and relaxed learning environment.

Challenges and Considerations

While mindfulness meditation is generally safe and beneficial, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be suitable for everyone, particularly for those with certain mental health conditions. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new meditation practice, especially if you have underlying health concerns.

Conclusion

Mindfulness meditation offers a promising avenue for students seeking to enhance their academic performance and overall well-being. By reducing stress, improving focus and emotional regulation, and boosting cognitive function, mindfulness can help students navigate the challenges of school with greater ease and success. As with any skill, it requires consistent practice, but the potential benefits for academic achievement and mental health are substantial and well worth the effort.

Remember, the goal of mindfulness is not to empty the mind of thoughts, but rather to become an observant and non-judgmental witness to one’s thoughts and feelings. It’s about cultivating awareness and acceptance, skills that can serve students well in school and throughout their lives.

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly demanding academic environment, students often find themselves stressed, overwhelmed, and struggling to focus. Mindfulness meditation, a practice that involves paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way, is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance students’ ability to succeed in school. In our last couple of blog posts, we discussed the several qualities and many benefits of Mindfulness Meditation; however, in this Mantra101 post, we will explore how students can use mindfulness meditation to improve their academic performance, reduce stress, and cultivate a more positive and focused mindset.

The Science Behind Mindfulness Meditation

Research has consistently demonstrated the myriad benefits of mindfulness meditation. Studies show that it can help to reduce stress, improve focus and attention, enhance emotional regulation, and boost memory and cognitive function—all critical components for academic success.

How Mindfulness Meditation Can Help Students

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

• School can be a significant source of stress for students. Mindfulness meditation teaches students how to be present and engage in deep breathing, which can help to activate the body’s relaxation response and reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

2. Improving Focus and Concentration

• Mindfulness practices train the brain to focus on the present moment. This improved focus can translate into better concentration during lectures, studying, and test-taking.

3. Enhancing Emotional Regulation

• Students are better equipped to handle challenging situations calmly and thoughtfully when they practice mindfulness, making it easier to navigate conflicts with peers, teachers, or academic pressures.

4. Boosting Memory and Cognitive Function

• Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can improve memory retention and cognitive functions, which are vital for academic success.