Which spiritual emphasis do you prefer - East or West?

[Honza]

There is a difference in emphasis between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. The differences are numerous and complicated and I will not try to summarise them here.

Do you have a preference between the two? Personally I prefer the Western approach to spirituality. I think it has much to offer. I have learnt a lot about the Eastern approach while on this forum and I do believe that the two approaches can compliment each other rather than negate each other.

So in a sense both approaches have their validity. But my heart is set in the West. How about you?

Hi Honz....
I do not have a preference...
The west is all I know about.
I cannot comment on the east as I have no clue whatsoever...
So I'm guessing for me the answer would have to be west..
Although as you may or may not know , I adopt my own approach, beliefs, that are unique to me....

[Altair]

I suppose, going with the most frequently used assumptions, by West you'd think of Christianity and by East you'd think of Dharmic religions?

I can see value and beauty in both traditions, Honza.

I could say I prefer the west because it has shaped me, I like aspects of Christian culture, and know how to manoeuvre in it. If I was born in a Hindu or Buddhist family and my culture around me was practically Hindu or Buddhist, I'd very likely be cool with that too.

[snowyowl]

I've been influenced by both East and West - I gave up trying to join a religion many years ago because I'm such an awkward customer - and what I prefer now is to pick and choose from both. However in terms of organised movements I seem to be gravitating towards the "neo" versions of both Eastern and Western spirituality. Eg mindfulness & insight rather than Theravada & Zen. Neo-nondualism rather than traditional advaita. Unitarian Universalism rather than protestant Christianity.

[Belle]

I don't think I can answer this one - it is an interesting question.

For me, Western spirituality makes me think of the Church of England that i was associated with for many years. It was controlling and unkind in a very insiduous way. But it must go deeper.

Found in both the East and the West - I like mysticism, uncertainty, thoughts that leave more questions than answers. I know that might sound strange but I like to remember our relative insignificance when contempating the universe.

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Belle

Found in both the East and the West - I like mysticism, uncertainty, thoughts that leave more questions than answers. I know that might sound strange but I like to remember our relative insignificance when contempating the universe.

That is pretty much how I like to think and do work. Always looking for more pieces of the puzzle instead of having certainty.

I also like the feeling of being a little rascal in a gigantic universe.

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Altair

I can see value and beauty in both traditions, Honza.

Exactly. Since the West causes more separation in the minds of it's followers,
also hell, punishment, an angry God that needs blood sacrifices ...
the East is more attractive for me.

Krishna, "Perceive me in every thought."
''He who thinks of me constantly will be sure to find Me.''

I relate to this more. But, I love Jesus' teachings, big time.

[Altair]

The so called ''East'' has its own hellish realms, punishment and angry gods. The ''Eastern spirituality'' that is commercialized are the softest bits palatable to modern people, from my observations. How many people actually know that Buddhism and Hindu denominations speak of awful hellish realms for 'evildoers'? Even eating a chicken could mean doom.

[ajay00]

Originally Posted by Honza

So in a sense both approaches have their validity. But my heart is set in the West. How about you?

My heart is also set on the western approach to spirituality. You can see that my signature quotes are of two western enlightened masters, Mooji and Tolle.

[snowyowl]

I'm not sure there is a simple distinction between east and west anyway. I still regard Christianity as a middle-eastern religion, even our local versions such as Church of England use middle-eastern geographical references like the desert for its wilderness, rather than anglicising it into moors and forests. Because they're anchored to their ancient scriptures from the region I guess. The music and architecture is western though. Yes, spiritual music from the west reaches me deeply.

I like watching Mooji's videos, he has a wonderful compassionate presence. But is he eastern or western? Western by birth, but his spirituality is eclectic, he's been involved in Christianity and Papaji (disciple of Ramana Marharshi) and calls his meetings satsangs.

I suppose there's been mixing and cross-fertilisation of spirituality for millennia, long may it continue :)