The publication introduces the Asian understanding of life and death, which differs quite dramatically from the European one. This divide is reflected in the predominant philosophical method, which has been logical-discursive in Europe and mystical-meditative in Asia. The latter does not attempt to fully and clearly grasp reality but instead introduces silence, which enables the seeker to approach the topics of interest, including impermanence, in a whole new manner. The book deals with the main Asian philosophical-religious traditions, such as Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism, within which it explores their common points as well as points of difference.
COBISS.SI-ID: 45703266
In the European Judeo-Christian tradition, soteriology has been understood exclusively as the doctrine of liberation through Jesus Christ. However, the Asian traditions addressed in this book instruct us of the different aspects of soteriology itself and its implications for our everyday life. The aim of the book was to explore the concept of impermanence and its usage in the basic human salvific project. It furthermore studies the notions of longevity, death, suicide and the limits of suicide prevention as well as 'voidness' of various meditative techniques that, by fastening the spirit, liberate the mind.
COBISS.SI-ID: 49593954
When reflecting on immortality, longevity, death and suicide, or taking into consideration the central concepts of the Sino-Japanese philosophical tradition, such as impermanence, we see that the philosophical methods developed in the Graeco-Judaeo-Christian tradition are less suitable. However, it is instructive to contrast both traditions, since the occurring problems present a challenge for a redefinition of »philosophy«, which has traditionally regarded itself as European. Rational logic as well as meditative ways are suggested when treating the Chinese and Japanese philosophical notions.
COBISS.SI-ID: 40880226
The chapter compares two attitudes towards one's own death and death of the world. Initially a perspective of the 18th century French metaphysical egoist thinker is outlined. The latter believes that his own death entails the annihilation of the world and people in it. For him, they exist merely in his own mind. The chapter then addresses Louis Althusser's "suicide" as it can be reconstructed on the basis of his posthumously puiblished autobiography. The latter seems to have believed that due to his existence in the minds of the others', his own death inevitably followed their extinction.
COBISS.SI-ID: 42923874
Christ's proclamation of eternal life and resurrection of the dead on the Judgment Day is a promise which should inspire a Christian with hope that death does not entail the end. It should mean an invaluable comfort in the toughest moments in life and encourage one to face death with dignity. The optimism brought by the gospel of Christ ought to shape one’s whole attitude to life, until death and beyond. Nonetheless, experience shows differently. When confronted with death of loved ones or one’s own death, fear of death often overrides Christian courage and hope for eternal life. European researches reveal that, unlike “formal” believers, deeply religious people do not fear death. A survey, carried out amongst a minor group of Slovenian Christians, however, demonstrates the opposite.
COBISS.SI-ID: 15617845