I know a lot of this forum like to compare Zen and Buddhism as there is the conception that they are the same thing, whether they are or not isn't the point of this post. Let us discuss the similarities between Zen and Stoicism.

I don't know much about Zen so I will speak on what I know about Stoicism.

Stoicism highest ideal is becoming a Stoic Sage, a person who is at one with the nature of mankind

The nature of mankind for a Stoic is a person who uses their reason to help others humans, a rational-social human.

Virtue is the highest good for a Stoic because we are the only animals who can use our minds in such a way.

Stoics focus primarily on what is in their control specifically, reaction to thoughts, aversion, desire and actions. Everything else is outside of a Stoics control including Body, Reputation and Health.

Stoics have no meditation practice in the buddhist sense, they do however have techniques to deal with life.

The ancient Stoics did worship Zeus and thought that Zeus controlled everything and that the universe itself was designed in a rational way.

Some famous Stoics include, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Philosopher-Slave Epictetus, Business Owner and tutor to Emperor Nero Seneca and the Founder Zeno.

Submitted February 14, 2018 at 12:04AM by illaoiswaintrain http://ift.tt/2HczXRd