| Titel: | Two faces of consciousness--a look at eastern and western perspectives |
|---|---|
| Autor: | Rao, K. Ramakrishna |
| Mediengruppe: | journal article |
| Herausgeber: | --- |
| Zeitschrift: | Journal of Indian Psychology |
| Jahr: | 1997 |
| Band: | 15 |
| Heft: | 1-2 |
| Seiten: | 1-24 |
| Sprache: | English; englisch |
| Abstract: | Discusses 2 dominant perspectives on consciousness representing the Eastern and Western viewpoints. In the Western scholarly tradition consciousness is generally equated with the mind, intentionality is regarded as its defining characteristic, and the goal is one of seeking rational understanding of what consciousness/mind is. In the Eastern tradition, as represented by the Indian approach, consciousness and mind are considered to be different, consciousness as such is believed to be nonintentional while the mind is regarded as intentional, and the goal is developing practical methods for transformation of the human condition via realization of consciousness. It is suggested that consciousness encompasses 2 different domains, the transcendental and the phenomenal. The Eastern and Western viewpoints seem to be directed more toward one domain than the other, resulting in a biased emphasis. A discussion of Samkhya-Yoga metaphysics and E. Husserl's phenomenology suggests that these perspectives are not necessarily alternative approaches. Seen as complementary rather than competing, they may provide a more comprehensive understanding of consciousness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved); (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2002 APA, all rights reserved) |