The Filipino's notion of bahala na and its relation to Tian, Ming, and Wu-wei

Date

6-2015

Degree

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Marlon N. Manalo

Abstract

This thesis shows the similarities and differences of the Bahala Na of the Filipinos and the Tian, Ming, and Wu-Wei of Chinese Philosophy. The Bahala Na (Come what may) is a fatalistic approach of the Filipinos in regards to a benevolent supreme being, commonly manifested as closest that the Chinese Philosophy would have in comparison to the Bahala Na of the Filipinos, due to how oneself completely surrenders itself to Tao (Nature or The Way). Tian (Heaven) and Ming (Fate/Mandate) are concepts wherein lies the religious beliefs of the Confucians which was propagated by Confucius and elaborated by Mencius. Tian is the giver of the order, while Ming is what the Confucians perceived as an agent of Fate. The approach that the Confucians have in approaching Tian and Ming is also similar to the approach of the Filipinos with the Bahala Na as an attitude towards the Divine due to the fact that both concepts rely on Fate for the consequences of their deeds and not their actions. The Proponent then concludes that with the original definition and application of Bahala Na, engaging into action and leaving his fate to the hands of a divine being, is learning more towards the Confucian Fatalism wherein they do whatever Heaven (Tian) tells them, which is to be a man of virtue, and let Fate (Ming) decide on what's to happen. Unlike with the Wu-Wei, indeed they surrender to a higher power similar to Bahala Na, but one is led to limit himself and solely depend everything he does to Nature. With this, we have seen the attitude of Bahala Na which is contextually Filipino, being manifested differently in the Chinese context.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2015 P5 /N43

Document Type

Thesis

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