UNIT 5: SELF IN WESTERN AND EASTERN THOUGHT

Different cultures and varying environment tend to create different perceptions of the
self and one of the most common distinctions between cultures and people in the Eastern-
vs-Western dichotomy wherein Eastern represents Asia and Western represents Europe
and Northern America.

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Explain the concept of self as found in Asian thought;

2. Choose a representation from the Filipino self; and
3. Differentiate the concept of self according to Western through against Eastern
perspectives

LESSON PROPER
There are many sources in which you can analyze the perspective of each culture and
country about the concept of “self.” In this lesson, we will look at religious beliefs and
political philosophies that greatly influenced the mindset of each nation or culture.

First is Confucianism. It can be seen as a code of ethical conduct, of how one should
properly act according to their relationship with other people; thus it is also focused on
having a harmonious social life. Thus, identity and self-concept of the individual are
interwoven with the identity and status of his/her community or culture, sharing its pride as
well as its failures.

Eastern Self

Everyone is interconnected in a drama with specific roles. Self-cultivation: The

cultivated self in Confucianism is what some scholars call a “subdued self” wherein
personal needs are repressed [subdue] for the good of many, making Confucian society
also hierarchal for the purpose of maintaining order and balance.

Second philosophy is Taoism. Taoism was founded by Lao Tzu. Taoism is living
to the way of the Tao (Universe). However, they reject the hierarchy and strictness of
Confucianism. Taoism prefers to live a simple life. Self is not an extension of family or
community. Self is part of the universe, one of the forms and manifestations of the Tao.
The ideal self is selflessness but this is not forgetting about the self, it is living a
balanced-about prejudices and egocentric ideas and thinking about equality as well as
complementarily among humans as well as other beings.

The 3rd is Buddhism. The self is seen as an illusion, born out of ignorance, of
trying to hold and control things, or human centered needs; thus, the self is also the
source of all these suffering. Life is full of suffering and it is made up of a cycle of birth,
decay, illness, death. It is therefore our quest to forget about the self, forget the craving
of the self, break the attachments you have with the world, and to renounce the self w/c
is the cause of suffering and in doing so, attain the state of nirvana. Nirvana (liberation)-
blowing out the flames of desire.

Western Self

Western Self focuses on self (Individualistic). You compare in order to be better.

You create associations and bask in the glory of that group for your self-esteem. You
put primacy on developing yourself.

By focusing on the self, they may seem to have loose associations or even
loyalty to their groups. Competition is the name of the game and they are more likely
straightforward and forceful in their communication as well as decision making. They
value equality even if they see that individual can rise above everything else. They also
promote ideals that create 'fair' competition and protect the individual.

Western and Eastern Differences

Western referred as the school of thought from Greek Philosophy. It is rooted

from Rome and Christianity. Laws are the ones that govern the behavior. It is
 individualist in culture. It is all about 'I'. Tries to find self as it is the given part of the
divine. Logical, scientific, rational, and focus on ethics.

Eastern roots are from Asia. They believe that natural world does not follow laws,
it simply 'is'. It is collectivist in culture. It is all about 'We'. Drawn on people's actions and
thought as one. Trying to get rid of the false 'me' concept and find meaning in
discovering the true 'me'. Life is all about unity. The inner self must be freed.

Western and Eastern Similarities

Similarities: Both approach share a concept that a deeper understanding of reality is possible. Influenced
by the notion that there is a supreme being who guides the mankind and provides for all he created.
Believes in the concept of "god as the king of universe"

UNIT 6: MODULE PART 2: UNPACKING THE SELF

Unit 1: PHYSICAL SELF: THE BEAUTIFUL ME

From childhood, we are controlled by our genetic makeup, i. e, sex

chromosomes. It also influences the way we treat ourselves and others. On the
contrary, there are individuals who DO NOT ACCEPTS their INNATE SEXUAL
characteristics and they actually tend to change their sexual organs through
medications and surgery. In addition, external environment helps shapes us. In this
lesson, we are going to explore the development of our sexual characteristics and
behavior.

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Determine the condition of your physical self

2. Classify the physiological needs of the self in each stage of life
3. Identify the forces and institutions that impact the development of the
various aspects of identity and the self
4. Explain the importance of a good health
LESSON PROPER
Marieb, E.N. (2001) explains that the gonads begin to form until about the eight
week of embryonic development. The embryonic structures of males and females
during the early stages of human development are alike and are said to be in indifferent
stage. When the reproductive structures are formed development of the accessory
structures and external genitalia begins. [See the miracles of life - video clip]

Beginning of life

Life begins at fertilization. It refers to the meeting of the female sex cell and the
male sex cell. These sex cells are developed in the reproductive organs called
GONADS. The male sex cell called spermatozoa [sing. –zoon] are produced in the
male gonads called testes. On the other hand, the female sex cells called ova are
produced in the female gonads known ovaries. The fertilized egg cell known as zygote
contains all the hereditary potentials from the parents. This zygote goes to the uterus
and continues to grow during the gestation period of about 280 days or 36 weeks or 9
calendar months.

Both male and female chromosomes contain several thousands of genes –

called deoxyribonucleic acid which is the code of heredity. Maturation is the unfolding of
the inherent traits.

Human Development

The formation of male or female structures depends on the presence of

testosterone (A substance called hormone that occurs naturally in men and male
animals). The embryonic testes release testosterone once formed and the formation of
the duct system and external genitalia follows. The same with female embryos that form
ovaries, it will cause the development of the female ducts and external genitalia since
testosterone hormone is not produce.

Pseudo hermaphrodites are formed who is an individual having accessory

reproductive structures that do not “match” their gonads while true Hermaphrodites are
individuals who possess both ovarian and testicular tissues but this condition is rare in
nature. Nowadays, many pseudo hermaphrodites undergo sex change operation to
have their outer selves fit with their inner serves (gonads).
Human anatomy
Puberty is the period of life when the reproductive organs grow to their adult size
and become functional under the influence of rising levels of gonadal hormones
[testosterone in male and estrogen in female] and generally between the age of 10-15
years old.

At the age of 13, male puberty is characterized by the increase in the size of the
reproductive organs followed by the appearance of hair in the pubic area, axillary, and
face. The reproductive organs continue to grow for two years until sexual maturation
marked by the presence of mature semen in the testes.

For the female, the budding of their breasts usually occurring at the age of 11 as
a sign of their puberty stage. Menarche is the first menstrual period of females which
happens two years after the start of puberty. Hormones play an important role in the
regulation of ovulation and fertility of females.
Factors in development of the physical self

The development of the individual is caused by two interacting forces: heredity

and environment. Heredity [nature] is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring
it provides the raw materials of which the individual is made up. While the environment
[nurture] is the sum total of the forces or experiences that a person undergoes from
conception to old age. It includes family, friends, school, nutrition, and other agencies
one is in contact with.
Diseases associated with the reproductive systems
Infections are the most common problems associated with the reproductive
system in adults.

Vaginal infections are more common in young and elderly women and those
whose resistance to diseases is low, like, Escherichia coli which spread through the
digestive tract, the sexually transmitted microorganisms such as syphilis, gonorrhea,
and herpes virus and yeast fungus.

Pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility are also the effect of vaginal infections.
For males, the most common inflammatory conditions are prostatitis, urethritis, and
epididymitis, STD, Orchiditis.

Major treat to reproductive organs are Neoplasms, tumor of the breast and cervix
cancers in adult females and prostates cancer in adult males.

Most women hit the highest point of their reproductive abilities in their late 20’s,
i.e. irregular ovulation and shorter menstrual periods – menopausal period.

The production of estrogen may continue after menopause but the ovaries finally
stop functioning as endocrine organs. The reproductive organ and breast begin to
atrophy or shrink if estrogen is no longer released from the body. With this case, the
vaginal becomes dry that causes intercourse to become painful if frequent and the
vaginal infections become increasingly common.

Signs of estrogen deficiency: irritability and mood changes [depression in some];

intense vasodilation of the skin’s blood vessels, gradual thinning of skin and loss of
bone mass, slowing rising high blood levels etc..

Note: there is no counterpart for menopause in males. Although aging men show
a steady decline in testosterone section, their reproductive capability seems unending.
Healthy men are still able to father offspring well into their 80’ and beyond.

Erogenous zones

It refers to part of the body that are primarily receptive and increase sexual
arousal when touched in a sexual manner. Examples: mouth, breast, genitals, anus.
However, erogenous zones may vary from one person to another. Some people may
desire and enjoy being touched in certain area more than the other area, like, neck,
thighs, abdomen, and feet.

Human Sexual Behavior

It defined as any activity – solitary, between two persons, or in a group – that

induces/ brings sexual arousal [Gebhard, P.H. 2017]. This behavior is classified
according to gender and number of participants.

Types of behavior: Solitary behavior [involving one individual]; and Socio-sexual

behavior [more than one individual]

Solitary behavior

Self – gratification [begins at or b4 puberty] means self –stimulation that leads to

sexual arousal and generally, sexual climax. This takes place in personal and private as
an end in itself, but can also be done in a socio-sexual relationship.

This is common for males but becomes less frequent or is abandoned when
socio-sexual activity is available.

Therefore, self-gratification is most frequent among the unmarried. However this

self-gratification usually decreases as soon as an individual develop socio-sexual
relationship.

Nowadays, human are frequently being exposed to sexual stimuli esp. from
advertising and social media. Some adolescents become so much aggressive when
they respond to such stimuli.

The rate of teenage pregnancy is recently increasing. The challenge is to

develop self-control so that to balance suppression and free expression. Why? To
prevent premarital sex and acquire STD.

Socio-sexual behavior

It is the greatest amount of socio-sexual behavior that occurs b/w only one male
and one female. This usually begins in childhood and may be motivated by curiosity,
such as showing or examining genitalia.
 Physical contact involving necking and petting is considered as an ingredient of
the learning process and eventually of courtship and selection of a marriage partner.

Petting differs from hugging, kissing, and generalized caresses of the clothed
body to produce stimulation of the genitals. This is done due to affection as source of
pleasure, preliminary to coitus [this is an insertion of male reproductive organ into
female organ]. This is regarded as an important aspect in selecting partner but also a
way of learning how to interact with another person sexually.

A behavior may be interpreted by society or individual as erotic depending on the

context in which the behavior occurs. Example, kissing as a gesture of intimacy b/w
couples while other sees this as respect and reverence.

Physiology of human sexual response

Sexual response follows a pattern of sequential stages or phases when sexual

activity is continued.

1. Excitement phase = it is caused by increase in pulse and blood pressure; a sudden

rise in blood supply to the surface of the body resulting in increased skin temperature,
flushing, and swelling of all distensible body parts particularly noticeable in the male and
female reproductive system, rapid breathing, secretion of genital fluids, vaginal
expansion, and a general increase in muscle tension.

2. Plateau phase = it is generally of brief duration. If stimulation is continued, orgasm

usually occurs.

3. Sexual climax = a feeling of abrupt, intense pleasure, and rapid increase in pulse rate
and blood pressure, and spasms of the pelvic muscles causing contractions of the
female reproductive organ and ejaculation by the male that last only for few seconds
normally not over ten.

4. Resolution phase = it refers to the return to a normal or subnormal physiological

state. Whereas males return to normal even if stimulation continues, but continued
stimulations can produce additional orgasms in females. Females are physically
capable of repeated orgasms without the intervening “rest period” required by males.
 39
Prepared by MEAA/2021Page
Nervous system factors

The nervous system plays a significant role during sexual response. The
autonomic system is involved in controlling the involuntary responses.

The efferent cerebrospinal nerves transmit the sensory messages to the brain to
create stimulus and later initiating a sexual response. The brain will interpret the
sensory message and dictate what will be the immediate and appropriate response of
the body. The muscles contract in response to the signal coming from the motor nerve
fibers while glad secretes their respective product. So, sexual response is dependent
the activity of the nervous System.

Hypothalamus and limbic system are part of the brain believed to be responsible
for regulating the sexual response, but there is no specialized “sex center” that has
been located in the human brain.

Apart from brain-controlled sexual responses is the reflex. This reflex is mediated
by the lower spinal cord that leads to erection and ejaculation for male, vaginal
discharges and lubricant for female when the genital areas are stimulated. But still, the
brain can overrule and suppress such reflex activity, when sexual response is socially
inappropriate.
Sexual problems

These may be classified as physiological, psychological, and social in origin.

Physiological problems are the least among the three categories. Small number of
people suffering from diseases due to abnormal development of the genitalia or that
part of the neurophysiology controlling sexual response. Example: vaginal infection,
retroverted uteri, prostatitis, adrenal tumors, diabetes, senile changes of the vagina and
cardiovascular problems.

Medication: Through surgery

Psychological problems: usually caused by socially induced inhibitions,

maladaptive attitudes, ignorance and sexual myths held by society. Example: mature
sex must involve rapid erection, prolonged coitus, and simultaneous orgasm. Methods:
magazines, married books, and general sexual folklore often strengthen these
demanding ideals which are not always achieved; therefore, can give rise to feeling of
inadequacy anxiety and guilt. Hence, resulting negative emotions can definitely affect
the behavior of an individual.

Premature emission of semen is a common problem for young males. Why?

Because of the natural result of excessive tension in a male who has been sexually
deprived. Erectile impotence is almost always a psychological problem in males under
40; in other cases, the impotence may be the result of disinterest in the sexual partner,
fatigue, and distraction because of nonsexual worries, intoxication and other causes
such as occasional impotency is common and requires no therapy.

Ejaculatory impotence [inability to ejaculate in coitus] is uncommon and usually

of psychogenic origin. Why? It is due to the past traumatic experiences. Warning!
Occasional ejaculatory inability can be possibly expected in older men or in any male
who has exceeding his sexual capacity.

Lastly, vaginismus is a strong spasm [contraction] of the pelvic musculature

constricting the female reproductive organ so that penetration is painful or impossible. It
can be due to anti-sexual conditioning or psychological trauma as an unconscious
defense against coitus.

Medication: through psychotherapy and by gradually dilating/widening the female

organ with increasing large cylinders.

Sexual Reproductive diseases are the following:

1. Chlamydia

2. Gonorrhea

3. Syphilis

4. Chancroid

5. Human Papillomavirus

6. Herpes simplex virus

7. Trichomonas vaginalis

Natural and artificial methods are the following:

1. Abstinence

2. Calendar method

3. Basal body temperature

4. Cervical mucus method

5. Symptothermal method

6. Ovulation detection

7. Coitus interruptus

Artificial methods are the following:

1. Oral contraceptive

2. Transdermal patch

3. Vaginal ring

4. Subdermal implants

5. Hormonal injections

6. Intrauterine device

7. Chemical barriers

8. Diaphragm

9. Cervical cap

10. Male condoms

11. Female condoms

12. Surgical methods (vasectomy and ligation)

Unite 7: MATERIAL SELF: TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?

We are living in a world of sale and shopping spree. We are given a wide array of
products to purchase from a simple set of spoon and fork to owning a restaurant.
Almost everywhere, including the digital space, we can find promotions of product
purchase. Product advertisements are suggestive of making us feel better or look
good. Part of us wants to have that product. What makes us want to have those
products are connected with who we are. What we have and already possess is
related to our self.
 Belk stated that “we regard our possessions as part of our selves. What we have
and what we possess.” There is a direct link b/w self-identity with what we have and
possess.

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Explain the association of self and possessions;

2. Identify the role of consumer culture to self and identity; and
3. Appraise one’s self based on the description of material self.

LESSON PROPER
Material self

A Harvard psychology in the late nineteenth century, William James, wrote in the
book, the principles of psychology in 1890 that understanding the self can be examined
through its different components namely: 1] its constituents; 2] the feelings and
emotions they aroused self-feelings; 3] the actions for which they prompt the seeking
and self-preservation. The constituents of self are composed of material self, the social
self, the spiritual self, and the pure ego.
 The material self, according to William James primarily is about: our bodies;
clothes; immediate family; home.

HOME

Immediate Family

Clothes

Body

MATERIAL SELF:

1. Body is the innermost part of material self. You are directly attached to this
commodity that you cannot live without. You strive hard to make sure that this body
functions well and good. Example is Mariah Carey, she was reported to have placed a
huge amount for the insurance of his vocal cords and legs.

2. Clothes is next to the body that was being influenced by the “the philosophy of
dress” by Herman Lotze. William James believed that an essential part of the material
self is clothing. Lotze stipulated in his book that any time you bring an abject into the
surface of your body, you invest that object into any consciousness of your personal
existence taking in its contours to be your own, and making it part of the self.

3. Immediate Family is the third in the hierarchy. Your parents and siblings hold
another great important part of yourself. What they do or became affects you. When an
immediate family member dies, part of you dies, too. When their lives are in success,
you feel their victories as if you are the one holding the bacon. In their failures, you are
put to chance or guilt. When they are disadvantage situation, there is an urgent urge to
help like a voluntary instinct of saving one’s self from danger.

4. Home is the fourth component of material self. Home is where your heart is. It
is the earliest nest of your selfhood. Your experience inside the home were recorded
and marked on particular parts and things in your home. There was an old cliché about
rooms: “if only walls can speak”. The home thus is an extension of self, because in it,
you can directly connect yourself.
We are what we have

Russel Belk (1988) posits that “… we regard our possessions as part of our
selves. We are what we have and what we possess.” The identification of the self to
things stared in our infancy stage when we make a distinction among self and
environment and others who may desire our possessions.

The possessions that we dearly have tell something about who we are, our self-
concept, our past, and even our future.

Unit 8: SPIRITUAL SELF: BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

Spiritual self is one of the four (4) constituents of the “self” according to William
James in his book, The Principles of Psychology in 1890. The spiritual self is the most
intimate, inner subjective part of self – the most intimate version of the self because of
the satisfaction experienced when thinking of one’s ability to argue and discriminate, of
one’s moral sensibility and conscience, and our unconquerable will is purer than all
other sentiments of satisfaction.

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Identify various religious practices and beliefs;

2. Understand the self in relation with religious beliefs; and
3. Explain ways of finding the meaning of life.

LESSON PROPER
Religion

Rebecca Stein (Stein 2011) works on the definition of religion "as a set of beliefs
and practices that usually includes some or all of basic characteristics. These
characteristics are:

1) A belief in anthropomorphic supernatural being, such as spirit and gods

2) A focus on the sacred supernatural, where sacred refers to a feeling of reverence
and awe
3) The presence of supernatural power or energy that is found on supernatural
beings as well as physical beings and objects
 4) The performance of ritual activities that involves the manipulation of sacred
object to communicate to supernatural beings and/or to influence or control
events
5) The articulation of worldview and moral codes through narratives and other
means
6) Provide the creation and maintenance of social bonds and mechanism of social
control within a community; provide explanation for unknown and a sense of
control for individuals.

An individual lives in a society where there are many practices of religion. The
choice of religious belief lies within the spiritual self although the choice may be
influenced by the society and its culture.

Ritual

It is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a tradition or sacred law

(Britannica 2017). Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behavior exhibited by all
known societies. It is thus possible to view ritual as a way of defining or describing
humans.

There are three fundamental characteristics of rituals according to Penner

(Britannica 2017). Ritual has the characteristics of:

1) A feeling or emotion of respect, awe, fascination, or dread in relation to

the sacred
2) Dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed in the language
of myth
3) Is symbolic in relation to its reference

The self can be described as a ritual being who exhibits a striking parallel between
their ritual and verbal behavior. Just as language is a system of symbols that is based
upon arbitrary rules, ritual may be viewed as a system of symbolic acts that is based
upon arbitrary rules. Participation to rituals is expressions of religious beliefs.
 Some World Religious Beliefs and Practices
There are different religious with different beliefs and practices. Some of the
major world religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Excerpt
of some religious beliefs and practices are found in the University of London's Religion
and Belief Guide 2017.

Core beliefs

Buddhism believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there are suffering,
pain, and frustrations. When people suffer, they want to experience the goodness of life
and avoid disappointments. It becomes a habit known as the reactive cycle of wanting
and hating, like and dislike, band craving and aversion. This reactive cycle can be
broken through the practice of mediation, acquiring more wisdom and deeper
understanding, and acceptance of things as they are.

Customs and Practices

There are two types of meditation practices: samatha and vipassana. The
Samatha is practiced as mindfulness of breathing and development of loving kindness
(Metta Bhavana). Vipassana practices aim developing insight into reality. Acquiring
wisdom is by studying Buddha's teaching, the Dharma. Through the reflection of
Dharma, Buddhist can achieve a deeper understanding of life. Buddhists believe in non-
violence principle.

Some of the major Buddhist celebrations are Parinirvana Day in February;

Buddha Day (Wesak) in May; Dharma Day in July; Padmasambhava Day in October;
and Sangha Day in November.

Christianity

Core beliefs

Christians believe in Trinitarian God. One God in three personas: God the Father
(Creator), God the Son( Savior),and God the Holy Spirit Sustainer). Eternal after death
will be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is, God the Son, who came
into flesh, to spread the good news of salvation. He died on the cross for the sins of the
humanity but resurrected from the death, so that anyone who believes in him will be
 saved in have eternal life. The holy bible is a selection of books, which is divided in to
two, the Old Testament and New Testament.

Customs and Practices

Sacrament of Baptism and Sacrament of Communion are practiced by Christian

churches. The sacrament of Baptism symbolizes the birth in Christian world, while the
sacrament of communion is an act of remembrance of Jesus Christ's sacrificial love.
Jesus Christ teaching in unconditional love that is expressed in loving the poor,
oppressed, and outcast of the society

Christmas and Resurrection (Easter) are the two major celebrations in

Christianity. Christmas, usually on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus
Christ while Resurrection Sunday (depends on the lunar calendar, sometime in March
or April) celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death.

Hinduism

Core beliefs

Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliefs and religious groups; thus,
there is no single founder or leader. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth,
death and rebirth, governed by Karma. Karma is a concept where the reincarnated life
will depend on how the past life was spent. Hindus believe that the soul passes through
a cycle of successive lives and it's next in carnation is always dependent on how the
previous life was lived. Vedas are sacred Scriptures of Hindus. Mahabharata and
Ramayana are two other important texts of the Hindus.

Custom and practices

Diwali and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of the Hindus. Diwali is the
festival of lights while Navrati is the festival of nine nights, which celebrate the triumph
of good over evil. Hindus have set dates to honor particular manifestations of God.
 Islam
Core beliefs

Muslims believe in Allah, who is their "One God" They believe in the unity and
universality of God. Muslims also have a strong sense of community or "ummah" and an
awareness of their solidarity with all Muslims worldwide. Islam means "willing
submission to God ".

Muslims believe that Mohammed is the last and final prophet sent by God.
Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 CE and received revelations from God through
the Angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Holy Bible of Islam is called the Quran,
which was taught to be recited in Arabic because any translation is seen as inadequate.

Customs and practices

Muslims believe in the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundation of Muslim
life:

1) Shahadah - statement of faith: "There is no God but the one true God and
Mohammed is his messenger".
2) Salat - the prayer that is practiced five times a day.
3) Zakat - the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It comprises the 2.5% of
a Muslim's assets.
4) Haji – the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who can afford are asked to do
the pilgrimage at last once in their lifetime.
5) Sawm – the fasting. Muslims do fasting from food, drink, and sexual act during
the celebration of Ramadan s the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The
fast is from dawn to sunset.

Two of the major festivals in Islam are Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. The first one refers
to the celebration at the end of Ramadan, while Eidul-Adha is the celebration within the
completion of the Pilgrimage, the Haji.
 Judaism

Core beliefs
The Jews believe in the God of Abraham ,the same God that liberated the
Hebrew slaves from Egypt to Canaan, the promised land through the leadership of
Moses and later, Joshua.

The Jews believe in the coming of Messiah, the Savior. The sacred scripture of
the Jews is called the Torah or the Law. The Torah is the guide of the Jewish living. The
study and interpretation of Torah is part of the Jewish culture.

Customs and Practices: There are five major festivals observed by the Jews:

1. Rosh Hashanah - the New Year

2. Yom Kippur - the Day of Atonement

3. Pesach - Passover

4. Shavuot - Pentecost

5. Sukkot - Tabernacles. The Jewish Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset and
is an important time when families gather for the Shabbat meal.

Finding and Creating Meaning of Life

Another extensive study of self can be found in the works of Dr. Viktor E. Frankl.
[The following are the excerpts from the website:
http://www.victorfranklinstitute.org/About_Viktor_Frankl.html

He was born on March 26, 1905 in Vienna, Austria, where famous psychiatrists
Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler lived. He graduated with medical degree from the
University of Vienna in 1930. He was assigned in Vienna Hospital suicide ward and
headed thee Rothschild Hospital.

A survivor of the holocaust, he published a book about logotherapy. In 1959, the

book was translated to English and was revised in 1963 as The doctor and the Soul: An
Introduction to Logotherapy. His book, Man’s search for meaning has been used as a
textbook in high school and college courses. He died in 1997.
Logotherapy
It is a psychotherapy introduced by V. Frankl, who is considered the father of
logotherapy. The main belief of logotherapy is that “man’s primary motivational force is
search for meaning.” Logotherapy aids individuals to find personal meaning of life,
whatever life situation they may be.

In logotherapy, meaning can be discovered by creating a work or doing deed,

experiencing something or encountering someone and the attitude toward unavoidable
suffering. According to V. Frankl institute of logotherapy, it uses the philosophy of
optimism in the face of tragedy, where people are capable of turning suffering into
human achievement and accomplishment deriving from guilt the opportunity to change
oneself for the better; and deriving from life’s transitoriness an incentive to take
responsible action.

Basic concept of Franklian Psychology

There are three basic concepts using Franklian Psychology:

1) Life has meaning under all circumstances.

2) Main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life.
3) Freedom to find meaning.

Furthermore, his psychology aims to: 1] become aware of spiritual resources; 2]

make conscious spiritual resources; and 3] use defiant power of the human spirit and
stand up against adversity.

Logotherapy assumptions (that cannot be proven w/

certainty) These include the following:

1. The human being is an entity consisting of body [soma], mind [psyche], and spirit
[noos]. i.e. according to him, the body and mind are what we have and the spirit is what
we are.

2. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable. I.e. it’s hard to
grasp but it is something everyone experiences and it represents an order in a world w/
laws that go beyond human laws.
3. People have a will to meaning. When we see meaning, we are ready for any type
of suffering. This is considered to be different than our will to achieve power and
pleasure.

4. People have freedom under all circumstances to activate the will to find meaning.
This deals with change of attitudes about unavoidable fate.

5. Life has a demand quality to w/c people must respond if decisions are to be
meaningful. The meaning of the moment is more practical in daily living than ultimate
meaning. Unlike ultimate meaning this meaning can be found and fulfilled.

6. The individual is unique. This enhanced by the realization that we are irreplaceable.

In essence, all human are unique w/ an entity of body, mind, and spirit. We all
go through unique situations and are constantly looking to find meaning.

Frankl’s Sources of Meaning

There are three possible sources of meaning of life: 1] purposeful work –

meaning of life is unique to every individual; 2] courage in the face of difficulty – a
meaningful life is a life with suffering. Suffering is part of life; and 3] love – is the only
way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. The
ultimate factor to find meaning of life is love.

Costello captured V. Frankl’s message: “The ultimate secret on the spiritual

foundation of life is that love is salvation and joy eternity.” The ultimate factor to find
meaning of life is love.