Meneroka Persamaan dan Perbezaan antara Buddhisme dan Stoikisme

Buddhism and Stoicism are two ancient philosophical traditions that have attracted widespread attention for their practical approach to achieving a happy and fulfilling life. Both these traditions offer unique perspectives on how to find inner peace and meaning in a chaotic and unpredictable world. While there are significant differences between the two, such as their cultural and historical contexts, there are also many striking similarities in their principles and practices. In this article, we will compare Buddhism and Stoicism, and exploring some of the key similarities and differences between them and how they can inform our own search for personal growth and enlightenment.

Pengasas Stoikisme dan Buddhisme

Stoikisme dan agama Buddha berasal dari bahagian lain dunia berabad-abad terpisah. Stoikisme diasaskan oleh Zeno dari Citium di Athens sekitar 300 SM, manakala agama Buddha diasaskan oleh Siddhartha Gautama di Nepal moden sekitar 600 SM.

Zeno daripada Citium

Zeno, a wealthy merchant, lost his fortune in a shipwreck that left him stranded in Athens, Greece. Despite his misfortune, he is quoted to have remarked, “I made a prosperous voyage when I was shipwrecked.” With no material possessions, he stumbled upon a bookstore and discovered Xenophon’s Memorabilia, which introduced him to the philosophers of Greece. Zeno was greatly inspired by Socrates and inquired with a bookseller about the whereabouts of otherwise individuals like him. The bookseller directed him to the cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes. After a decade of learning, Zeno diverged from cynicism and eventually founded his own school of Stoicism.

Sang Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, was also born into a wealthy family as the son of a king and queen. His birth was accompanied by prophecies of his greatness; some believed he would become a powerful emperor, while others saw him as a potential spiritual leader, provided he left the palace. However, his parents decided to keep him sheltered from the outside world, so they locked him inside the palace. To ensure their son was never exposed to any form of suffering, the king ordered that he be kept away from anything that withered or died. The young prince grew up in a world where all his desires were fulfilled, completely unaware of the existence of pain and suffering.

Seiring berjalannya waktu, Siddhartha mula mendengar cerita dunia di luar tembok istana. Suatu hari, seorang pemuzik datang ke istana dan menyanyikan tentang semua keajaiban dunia, memberi inspirasi kepada Siddhartha untuk memulakan perjalanan untuk melihat kerajaan yang akan dikuasainya suatu hari nanti. Pada usia 29 tahun, dia menceburi dunia dengan kereta kuda ditemani oleh penunggang kudanya Channa.

According to different versions of the story, Siddhartha’s journey consisted of either four separate journeys or one long journey. Regardless, all versions agree that the young prince underwent a profound transformation after seeing what are called “the foresights.” The first sight was that of an old man, which made Siddhartha realize that all beings eventually age. The second sight was that of a sick person, shocking him, but he soon realized that all beings are subject to sickness and suffering. The third sight was that of a dead body, which overwhelmed Siddhartha with sorrow and sadness. Chana explained to him that death is inevitable and that all living things eventually pass away.

Pemandangan keempat ialah seorang pertapa yang telah mendedikasikan dirinya untuk mencari punca penderitaan manusia. Ini memberi harapan kepada Siddhartha bahawa ada jalan keluar daripada penderitaan dan cara untuk dilahirkan semula. Dia memulakan kehidupan pertapaan, melucutkan dirinya daripada semua keseronokan duniawi.

Dalam mengejar pencerahan, Siddhartha Gautama mengamalkan pertapaan yang melampau, yang termasuk pengambilan makanan yang minimum, pelbagai bentuk kawalan nafas, dan kawalan minda yang kuat. Teks-teks awal menggambarkan bagaimana dia menjadi sangat kurus sehingga tulangnya menjadi kelihatan melalui kulitnya. Walau bagaimanapun, Siddhartha akhirnya menyedari bahawa bentuk penafian diri yang melampau ini tidak membantunya mencapai pencerahan.

Pada masa itulah dia teringat pengalaman meditasi terdahulu yang dia alami semasa kecil, duduk di bawah pokok semasa bapanya bekerja. Dalam versi cerita yang lain, dia teringat melihat seorang lelaki gelandangan bermeditasi. Ingatan ini membawanya untuk memahami bahawa meditasi adalah jalan menuju pencerahan. Menurut teks, Buddha mencapai keempat-empat meditasi, diikuti oleh tiga pengetahuan yang lebih tinggi, yang memuncak dalam pencerahannya.

Sihir Empat: Empat Kebajikan Stoik vs Empat Kebenaran Mulia

The Stoics formulated a set of values that embodied the essence of their philosophy, which aimed to help individuals lead meaningful life. These values included four cardinal virtues that served as a guide for living a virtuous life.

1. Wisdom– bertindak secara rasional dan melihat dunia dengan objektiviti.
2. Justice– melayan orang lain dengan adil dan baik.
3. Courage– berani apabila berhadapan dengan kesukaran dan memahami bahawa ketakutan selalunya boleh menyebabkan lebih banyak kemudaratan daripada perkara yang kita takutkan.
4. Temperance– menentang godaan dan memilih tindakan murni daripada maksiat.

Orang Stoik percaya bahawa hidup mengikut nilai-nilai ini bersamaan dengan hidup mengikut alam semula jadi. Sama seperti alam semula jadi yang rasional dan teratur, begitu juga manusia. Oleh itu, menjalani kehidupan yang murni bermakna hidup selaras dengan susunan semula jadi alam semesta.

Epictetus, a prominent Stoic philosopher, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between things we can control and things we cannot. According to him, focusing on the former and letting go of the latter is the key to living a good life.

On the other hand, Buddhists sought to achieve enlightenment or Nirvana by letting go of all attachments and living in the present moment. Unlike the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism, Buddhism promoted the Four Noble Truths developed by the Buddha.

1. Dukkha– Hidup adalah penderitaan
2. Samudaya– Penderitaan disebabkan oleh keterikatan dan keinginan
3. Nirodha– Adalah mungkin untuk melarikan diri dari kitaran penderitaan
4. Marga– Jalan Mulia Berunsur Lapan ialah cara untuk menamatkan penderitaan

Laluan Berunsur Lapan bukanlah garis linear lurus tetapi jalan tengah, yang merujuk kepada cara hidup antara lebihan dan kekurangan, juga dikenali sebagai kesederhanaan. Laluan Mulia Berunsur Lapan termasuk langkah-langkah berikut:

• Right View:Memahami Empat Kebenaran Mulia dan sifat realiti.
• Right Intention/Resolve:Membangunkan niat untuk tidak membahayakan dan muhibah terhadap semua makhluk.
• Right Speech:Bercakap dengan jujur dan baik, mengelakkan pembohongan, fitnah, dan perkataan yang memudaratkan.
• Right Action/Conduct:Bertindak secara beretika dan mengelakkan tindakan yang menyebabkan kemudaratan kepada diri sendiri atau orang lain.
• Right Livelihood:Mencari rezeki dengan cara yang tidak berbahaya kepada diri sendiri atau orang lain.
• Right Effort:Memupuk keadaan fikiran yang sihat dan meninggalkan keadaan yang tidak sihat.
• Right Mindfulness:Memupuk kesedaran dan perhatian kepada masa kini dan mengelakkan gangguan.
• Right Concentration/Samadhi:Membangunkan keupayaan untuk menumpukan minda melalui meditasi, yang membawa kepada wawasan dan pemahaman yang lebih mendalam.

Nirvana ialah keadaan muktamad yang dicapai apabila mengikuti Jalan Mulia Berunsur Lapan. Nirvana ialah keadaan tidak mempunyai keinginan dan penghentian penderitaan. Dalam bahasa Sanskrit, Nirvana bermaksud "meniup," dan ia merujuk kepada pemadaman api keinginan peribadi dan pemadaman api kehidupan. Nirvana dianggap sebagai tempat perlindungan muktamad, menyediakan keselamatan, emansipasi, keamanan dan kebebasan.

Persamaan Antara Buddhisme dan Stoikisme

Usaha untuk mengurangkan penderitaan terletak di tengah-tengah kedua-dua falsafah, memandangkan kekerasan kehidupan di dunia purba akibat peperangan, kebuluran, dan kekurangan teknologi. Akibatnya, pemikir purba mencari cara untuk mengurangkan penderitaan dan mencapai keadaan tenang dan stabil. Walaupun Stoik bertujuan untuk menjadi seperti batu berdaya tahan yang berdiri teguh melawan gelombang ujian kehidupan, Buddha mengajar menentang keinginan duniawi dan mengejar Nirvana, di mana keterikatan terputus dan penderitaan dipadamkan.

After alleviating suffering, how does one attain happiness? Both schools advocate for moderation as the path to happiness. By eliminating excess and focusing on the essential aspects of life, one can experience true satisfaction and harmony.

Buddha menyatakan idea ini dengan berkata, "Kesederhanaan adalah pokok yang mempunyai akarnya sangat sedikit kepuasan, dan untuk buahnya tenang dan damai."

Both philosophies recognize that happiness is not dependent on pleasure or material possessions. Anxiety, a common source of suffering, is often caused by our obsession with the past or fear of the future. The stoics encourage us to stay in the present moment and tame our minds, while the Buddhists recommend meditation as a way to stay grounded in the present and avoid anxiety. As a famous stoic saying goes, “We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” By letting go of our attachments and focusing on the present, we can find inner calm and peace.

Perbezaan Antara Stoikisme dan Buddha

At first glance, it may appear that Stoicism and Buddhism share many practical teachings and a similar understanding of the human mind. However, one notable difference is that Buddhism is widely recognized as a religion, while Stoicism is regarded as a philosophy. Around 8% of the world’s population practices Buddhism, but it doesn’t conform to the traditional definition of a religion or a philosophy. Buddhism is non-dogmatic and doesn’t require its followers to worship any supreme deity or creator. Its primary aim is to seek the truth. Unlike Christianity, Buddhism doesn’t have a savior figure, and individuals must find their own path and use the Buddha as a guide rather than blindly following him. Unlike Buddhism, Stoicism is not an organized religion but a philosophical school of thought that anyone can adopt and apply to their own lives. Stoics do not gather in shrines to pray or participate in communal worship, but instead, they share a common bond of spirit and ideology.

Stoikisme diajar dan dikaji secara meluas sebagai falsafah di banyak universiti di seluruh Barat, manakala agama Buddha mempunyai kehadiran yang lebih kuat di Timur, terutamanya di negara seperti India, Jepun, China, Myanmar dan lain-lain. Walau bagaimanapun, perlu diingat bahawa ramai penganut Buddha juga tinggal di Barat, sama seperti idea yang tabah menjadi semakin popular di Timur. Walaupun begitu, Stoikisme kekal terutamanya sebagai falsafah Barat, manakala Buddhisme ialah ajaran Timur.

Faedah Hidup Mengikut Prinsip Buddha dan Stoik

Hidup mengikut prinsip Buddha atau Stoik boleh menghasilkan manfaat psikologi yang ketara. Kedua-dua amalan boleh membawa kepada keadaan fikiran yang lebih tenang dan tenang serta menggalakkan penghalusan rohani dan kedamaian dalaman.

Stoicism, in particular, emphasizes the importance of personal well-being and a harmonious relationship with society. The philosophy encourages individuals to do the right thing for themselves and for the world at large without expecting any external rewards or validation. Stoics believe that true satisfaction cannot come from external sources and that wisdom and self-improvement are their own rewards. This honest and truthful approach to living can make Stoicism more appealing and attainable in contemporary society. As the world becomes increasingly materialistic and focused on external rewards, the stoic philosophy offers a refreshing alternative that focuses on inner peace and self-improvement.

Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors of the Roman Empire (Lajur Aurelius), was a Stoic philosopher whose teachings have endured for centuries. His personal diary later published as ‘Meditasi‘ is considered one of the most influential works of philosophy and spirituality. He wrote these personal notes to himself during battles against germanic armies while also suffering from a deadly plague. In these writings, Aurelius offers his stoic views on how to live a good and meaningful life no matter what life throws at you.

Jika anda tertekan oleh apa-apa luaran, kesakitan itu bukan disebabkan oleh benda itu sendiri, tetapi anggaran anda mengenainya; dan ini anda mempunyai kuasa untuk membatalkan pada bila-bila masa.

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

The central concept of all Buddhist teachings is Dharma, which can be translated as truth, reality, or law. The ultimate goal of life is to achieve nobility of the spirit, a form of purity that stems not from a God but from oneself. Dharma exists both in the minds of individuals and as a universal law of righteousness imbued in every aspect of the universe, from the tides of the seas to the changing of the seasons.

Hidup mengikut Dharma membolehkan individu melarikan diri daripada misteri dan mencapai Nirvana, pelepasan muktamad daripada semua penderitaan. Penganut Buddha percaya bahawa melalui meditasi, yoga, dan tumpuan, individu boleh melatih ingatan mereka untuk melihat kelahiran semula mereka sebagai penggantian pautan, malah mendapat gambaran tentang kehidupan terdahulu mereka.

Furthermore, Buddhism teaches that through enlightenment and true wisdom, individuals can attain Nirvana in this life and eventually arrive at the end of the chain of rebirths.

The Mauryan Maharaja Ashoka is one of the most iconic rulers of India’s ancient past. A powerful and ambitious ruler, Ashoka was also a great patron of Buddhism. He converted to the religion following his conquest of Kalinga and went on to become one of its most influential supporters. Ashoka is remembered today for his reforms and the patronage he showed towards Buddhism and its spread across India and beyond. His legacy of peaceful rule stands as an example to the world.

Saya telah menguatkuasakan undang-undang terhadap pembunuhan haiwan tertentu dan banyak yang lain, tetapi kemajuan kebenaran terbesar di kalangan manusia datang daripada nasihat yang memihak kepada tidak mencederakan kehidupan dan menahan diri daripada membunuh makhluk hidup.

Ashoka The Great

Kesimpulan

Although separated by continents and through Time, Buddhism and Stoicism are remarkably similar as much as they are different. As one Japanese anecdote narrates, Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), once welcomed a Western university professor to his temple. The guest was interested in learning about Buddhist practices and sharing his views on the matter. Nan-in served tea to the professor and as he poured, he continued well after the cup was full. The professor grew puzzled at first and then frustrated as he watched the overflow; unable to contain himself any longer, he yelled, “But the cup is overfull and cannot take any more tea!” Nan-in replied, “Like this cup, you too are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I teach you Buddhism unless you first empty your own cup?” The professor fell silent, and thus his training began.

This story highlights the importance of emptying one’s mind of prejudices and opinions when learning a philosophy, whether from the East or West. It emphasizes the need to focus on the essentials and cultivate dedication to the teachings to become a master of philosophy. However, it also reminds us that everything in life is impermanent, and we should keep this in mind even as we strive to deepen our understanding of philosophy.