Buddhist Perspective on Understanding Human Nature: An Integration of Eastern Philosophies

Understanding human nature has been a significant topic of inquiry in various philosophical traditions. This article explores the Buddhist perspective on human nature, integrating insights from Confucianism and Taoism, which are inherently interlinked.

Introduction to Human Nature in Eastern Thought

In contrast to Western Christianity, which posits that individuals are born sinners, Eastern philosophies, particularly Confucianism, prioritize the inherent goodness of human nature. According to the Three Character Classic, a Confucian-inspired text, humans are born good and their nature is similar until it is shaped by habits and nurture. The second sage of Confucianism, Mencius, further elaborated on this idea, stating that human beings share an innate goodness that can be cultivated through education and personal discipline.

The Confucian View on Human Nature

Confucianism emphasizes the importance of virtue, education, and self-cultivation in shaping one's character. As depicted in the Standards for Being a Good Student and Child, proximity to virtuous individuals and positive influences is crucial for personal growth and ethical development. Neglecting these influences can lead to moral decline, as manifested in the practice of choosing the company of virtuous people to foster positive deeds.

The Taoist Perspective

Taoism posits that human behavior and destiny are the results of one's own actions and thoughts. In The Precious Teachings of the Exalted One, it is stated that virtues or vices are created by one's heart and mind. Essentially, doing good brings a benevolent aura, and doing evil brings a malevolent cloud. To achieve immortality, one must cleanse oneself of negative thoughts and actions and perform benevolent deeds.

The Buddhist Understanding of Human Nature

Buddhism proposes that the original nature, or self-nature, of individuals is pure, but it becomes polluted due to negative influences such as bad habits, likes, and dislikes. Human beings are thus reborn in a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth known as samsara. The Buddha discovered the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to enlighten individuals and ultimately break free from the cycle of suffering.

Practical Guidelines for Returning to Original Nature

According to Buddhist teachings, each individual carries their unique "luggage" with habits and preferences. The Ten Moral Precepts, taught in Buddhist churches, provide ethical guidelines for returning to one's original nature. For instance, differentiating right from wrong and verbally expressing values and virtues such as filial devotion, brotherhood, loyalty, trustworthiness, generosity, frugality, and humility. Additionally, avoiding critical thoughts, diligently removing obscure habits, customs, and practices, are emphasized to cleanse one's mind and return to a pure and virtuous state.

Unlike water and ice, which transform but retain their original properties, human nature remains fundamentally good despite external influences. This integrated understanding from Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist perspectives highlights the potential for ethical and spiritual development by emphasizing the inherent goodness of human nature and the importance of self-cultivation and positive influences.

Keywords: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, human nature, moral precepts, samsara, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path