Similarities Between Buddhism And Stoicism

One similarity between Buddhism and Stoicism is both focus on the importance of mindfulness. In Buddhism "awareness begins with remembering what we tend to forget" (Batchelor 58). In Stoicism "...reflection... will make us appreciate how wonderful it is that we are alive and have the opportunity to fill this day with activity" (Irvine 71). Once we become mindful of what's presented to us in that moment we have a more positive outlook of life. Because, we took the time to embrace whose and what's in front of us. We come to understand the possibilities of the negative outcomes but instead look to the positive outcomes, we became mindful not to forget what brings us joy. For example, over the thanksgiving break I spent a day with my mom. When we went to get lunch, my siblings and dad kept calling her and interrupting our lunch. I was frustrated …show more content…
By showing others compassion, empathy and understanding them. Naturally, humans are social creatures so we need interaction from others even if it causes to have suffering moment but from them we receive a lot of joyous moments as well. When we interact with others we show our concern of their wellbeing. By helping them we can help them figure out how to deal with suffering and help point their mistakes. For example, I didn't get along with my grandfather because of past choices he made that affected my mother. But as I learned Stoicism and Buddhism I realized in order for me to be a more tranquil person. I needed to look past his choices and help him with things he struggled with. So, I was more kind to him, helped more like taking his groceries, asking how he was and getting less frustrated when he did annoying things. The more patient I was with him, I didn't get as angry with him as I did in the past. Because I put my thoughts aside and worried about his wellbeing and by doing that I came to care for him more than I did in the