Emerson Viv Dharma Carus

Ralph Waldo Emerson: Bridging East and West

  • Background: Leading figure in New England Transcendentalism; moved from Unitarianism to Transcendentalism.

  • Spiritual Independence: Declared independence from Unitarianism in an 1838 Harvard address; stressed direct intuition of divinity in nature.

  • Asian Influence: Encountered Asian religions primarily through texts, especially the Bhagavad Gita. Inspired writings on concepts like maya, karma, and reincarnation.

    • Notable Works:

      • "Brahma" - explores the essence of existence and unity

      • "Plato; Or, The Philosopher" - presents a fusion of Greek and Hindu philosophical ideas.

Brahma & Plato

  • "Brahma" (1857):

    • Discusses the illusions of life and the ultimate oneness of existence. Key themes include the ephemeral nature of life and unity of the self with the divine.

  • "Plato; Or, The Philosopher" (1850):

    • Highlights Plato's philosophical contributions while integrating Eastern philosophy, presenting unity amidst diversity.

Henry David Thoreau: Practical Application of Philosophy

  • Background: A fellow Transcendentalist focused on practicing Eastern philosophies.

  • Major Work: Walden; Or, Life in the Woods emphasizes simplicity and reflection influenced by Eastern texts.

  • "A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers" (1849): Praised the Bhagavad Gita and concepts of Buddhism, advocating civil disobedience, which influenced figures like Gandhi.

Swami Vivekananda at the 1893 Parliament

  • Role: Introduced Hindu philosophy to America, challenged misconceptions about Hinduism.

  • Core Message: Stressed the unity of religions; emphasized practical realization rather than mere belief.

    • Key Concepts:

      • Introduction of Advaita Vedanta.

      • Critique of misrepresentation by missionaries; emphasis on the strength of Hinduism.

Anagarika Dharmapala: Buddhist Missionary Efforts

  • Background: First Theravada Buddhist missionary to the U.S., instrumental at the 1893 Parliament.

  • Significance: Advocate for Buddhism's relevance; challenged Western misconceptions about Buddha and Buddhism.

  • Vision: Proposed a synthesized religion rooted in universal truths and moral laws.

Paul Carus: Integrating Buddhism with Western Thought

  • Profile: Influential in presenting Buddhism as a rational and ethical system resonating with Western principles.

  • Key Contributions: Writings aimed to reconcile Buddhism with modern concerns and scientific understanding, highlighting commonalities with Christianity.

Marie De Souza Canavarro: A Journey of Spiritual Exploration

  • Background: Catholic upbringing, journeyed through various religious traditions seeking inclusivity and elevation of women.

  • Buddhism Adoption: Converted in 1897, active in promoting Buddhism in America and supporting educational causes in Ceylon.