Thread: Does Stoicism have similarities to Buddhism?

  1. #1

    Does Stoicism have similarities to Buddhism?

    I came across this newspaper article from a few months ago :

    "Stoicism in a time of pandemic: how Marcus Aurelius can help"

    https://www.theguardian.com/books/20...he-meditations

    ......and I wondered if anyone was familiar with the words of Marcus Aurelius ( his "Meditations" are often the first that come to mind).... and if they saw any similarities to Buddhist teachings?


  2. #2
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    I read his meditations when I got interested in the similarities between the stoics and Buddhism. I still have his book on my ereader and go back to it now and then. He is only one of the stoics of course but his writings resonate with anyone interested in Buddhism, especially those interested in how we can practically change how we see the world. I must admit to getting rather bogged down in places in Meditations as those musings which are directly relevant to the path are few and far between and it's a lot easier just to read his more famous quotes. The Guardian article touches on some issues such as life is often how we perceive it to be, particularly in a time of pandemic.

    A better introduction is in the Daily Stoic here, https://dailystoic.com/stoicism-budd...world%20works. which discusses how similar the two are in bringing about changes to your life and is well worth a read.

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by philg
    A better introduction is in the Daily Stoic here, https://dailystoic.com/stoicism-budd...world%20works. which discusses how similar the two are in bringing about changes to your life and is well worth a read.

    Thanks for the link Phil.

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