The Concept of Reality in Eastern and Western Philosophy

Maya is a Sanskrit term that means "illusion" or "appearance". In Eastern philosophy, it refers to the idea that the phenomenal world is not ultimately real, but rather an illusion created by the mind.

Substance is a term that has been used by philosophers since ancient times to refer to the underlying essence of a thing. It is often contrasted with accidents, which are the qualities or properties of a thing that can change without changing the thing's essence.

Emptiness is a key concept in Buddhist philosophy. It refers to the idea that all things are empty of inherent existence, or self-nature. This means that they do not exist independently of other things, but rather are interconnected and interdependent.

Transcendental idealism is a philosophical theory that argues that the objects of our experience are not independent of our minds, but rather are constituted by them. It is most closely associated with the German philosopher Immanuel Kant.

Non-duality is a key concept in Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy. It refers to the idea that the self and the world are not separate entities, but rather are one and the same.

Materialism is a philosophical theory that argues that all reality is composed of matter. It is most closely associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus.

Karma is a key concept in Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to the idea that every action has a corresponding reaction, and that the actions of an individual in this life will determine their fate in future lives.

Rationalism is a philosophical theory that argues that reason is the primary source of knowledge. It is most closely associated with the French philosopher René Descartes.

Moksha is a key concept in Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, and the attainment of a state of perfect peace and happiness.

Empiricism is a philosophical theory that argues that all knowledge is derived from experience. It is most closely associated with the English philosopher John Locke.

Samsara is a key concept in Hinduism and Buddhism. It refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that is driven by karma.

Phenomenalism is a philosophical theory that argues that all reality is composed of mental phenomena. It is most closely associated with the Irish philosopher George Berkeley.

Nirvana is a key concept in Buddhism. It refers to the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth, and the attainment of a state of perfect peace and happiness.

Existentialism is a philosophical theory that emphasizes the existence of the individual and the importance of free will. It is most closely associated with the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

Anatta is a key concept in Buddhism. It refers to the idea that there is no permanent, unchanging self. This means that the self is not an independent entity, but rather is a collection of changing mental and physical phenomena.