Top 10 Questions for Eastern Philosophy Professor Interview

1. Can you explain the metaphysics of the Upanishads and how it relates to the concept of Brahman?

The metaphysics of the Upanishads, the ancient Indian scriptures, revolves around the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality and the ground of all existence. The Upanishads describe Brahman as an all-pervading, eternal, and unchanging principle that is the essence of everything.

• According to the Upanishads, Brahman is not a personal god but an impersonal force or principle that is the source of everything in the universe.
• The Upanishads teach that the individual soul, known as the Atman, is identical with Brahman. This identity is expressed in the famous phrase “Tat tvam asi,” which means “Thou art That.”
• The ultimate goal of the Upanishads is to realize the oneness of the Atman and Brahman through meditation and self-knowledge.

2. Discuss the concept of Karma and its role in Eastern philosophy.

• Karma is a Sanskrit term that means “action” or “deed.” In Eastern philosophy, karma refers to the cumulative consequences of one’s actions, both good and bad.
• According to the doctrine of karma, the actions that we perform in this life will determine our fate in future lives.
• The concept of karma is closely related to the concept of rebirth, which is the belief that we are born into different lives over and over again until we have worked off our negative karma and achieved liberation.
• The doctrine of karma teaches us that we are responsible for our own actions and that we cannot escape the consequences of our choices.

3. Explain the concept of Samsara and discuss its implications for human existence.

Samsara is a Sanskrit term that means “wandering” or “cycle of rebirth.” In Eastern philosophy, samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that we are all caught in.

• According to the doctrine of samsara, we are born into different lives over and over again until we have worked off our negative karma and achieved liberation.
• The cycle of samsara is driven by our desires and attachments. We are constantly craving for pleasure and avoiding pain, and this craving keeps us trapped in the cycle of rebirth.
• The ultimate goal of Eastern philosophy is to break free from the cycle of samsara and achieve liberation, or moksha.

4. Discuss the role of meditation and mindfulness in Eastern philosophy.

Meditation and mindfulness are two important practices in Eastern philosophy. Meditation is a practice of concentrating the mind and achieving a state of deep focus and relaxation.

• Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Both meditation and mindfulness can be used to cultivate inner peace, clarity, and wisdom.
• Meditation and mindfulness are also used to develop compassion and empathy for others. By cultivating a deep understanding of our own minds and hearts, we can become more understanding and compassionate towards others.

5. Explain the concept of Dharma and its significance in Eastern philosophy.

Dharma is a Sanskrit term that means “duty” or “righteousness.” In Eastern philosophy, dharma refers to the path of right action and living in accordance with the laws of the universe.

• According to the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, our dharma is to fulfill our duties and obligations without attachment to the fruits of our actions.
• The concept of dharma is closely related to the concept of karma. The actions that we perform in accordance with our dharma will have positive consequences, while the actions that we perform in violation of our dharma will have negative consequences.
• Following our dharma is essential for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

6. Discuss the different paths to liberation in Eastern philosophy.

• There are many different paths to liberation in Eastern philosophy, but the most common are the paths of knowledge, devotion, and action.
• The path of knowledge involves studying the sacred scriptures and teachings of the great sages and philosophers. Through study and contemplation, we can come to understand the true nature of reality and achieve liberation.
• The path of devotion involves worshiping a god or goddess and surrendering our lives to them. Through devotion, we can experience the love and grace of the divine and achieve liberation.
• The path of action involves performing selfless service and working for the benefit of others. Through action, we can purify our hearts and minds and achieve liberation.

7. Explain the concept of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism.

• The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhism. They are:
• The truth of suffering: All life is suffering.
• The truth of the cause of suffering: Suffering is caused by attachment and craving.
• The truth of the end of suffering: Suffering can be ended by letting go of attachment and craving.
• The truth of the path to the end of suffering: The path to the end of suffering is the Eightfold Path.

8. Discuss the role of the Buddha in Buddhism.

• The Buddha was a prince who left his life of luxury to seek enlightenment. After many years of searching, he finally achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
• The Buddha taught that the goal of life is to achieve nirvana, which is a state of perfect peace and happiness. He taught that nirvana can be achieved by following the Eightfold Path.
• The Buddha’s teachings have had a profound impact on the world. Buddhism is one of the world’s major religions, and its teachings have inspired people from all walks of life.

9. Explain the concept of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism.

• The Eightfold Path is the path to enlightenment in Buddhism. It is a set of eight practices that lead to the end of suffering.
• The Eightfold Path is divided into three sections:
• Wisdom: Right understanding and right thought
• Ethical conduct: Right speech, right action, and right livelihood
• Meditation: Right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration

10. Discuss the concept of Zen Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism is a school of Buddhism that originated in China. Zen is a Japanese word that means “meditation.” Zen Buddhism emphasizes the practice of meditation as a way to achieve enlightenment.

• Zen Buddhists believe that enlightenment cannot be achieved through intellectual understanding alone. It must be experienced directly through meditation.
• Zen Buddhism has a strong emphasis on simplicity and non-attachment. Zen Buddhists believe that the best way to live is to let go of our attachments to material possessions and worldly desires.
• Zen Buddhism has had a profound impact on Japanese culture. It has influenced everything from art and literature to martial arts and tea ceremony.

As an Eastern Philosophy Professor, you will have several key job responsibilities, including:

1. Planning and Teaching Courses

You will be responsible for planning and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Eastern philosophy. This will involve developing course syllabi, preparing lesson plans, and delivering lectures. You will also be responsible for grading student work, providing feedback, and leading discussions.

2. Conducting Research

You will be expected to conduct research in your field of expertise. This may involve writing journal articles, books, or conference papers. You may also be involved in presenting your research at conferences or workshops.

3. Advising Students

You will be responsible for advising students on their coursework and career goals. This will involve meeting with students individually, writing letters of recommendation, and helping them to develop their academic and professional skills.

4. Service to the Department and University

You will be expected to serve on departmental and university committees. You may also be asked to participate in outreach activities, such as giving public lectures or writing articles for popular audiences.

Preparing for an interview for an Eastern Philosophy Professor position can be daunting, but there are some things you can do to increase your chances of success.

1. Research the University and Department

Before your interview, take some time to research the university and department where you are applying. This will help you to understand the institution’s mission, values, and research priorities. You should also learn about the specific faculty members in the department and their areas of expertise.

2. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

There are a number of common interview questions that you are likely to be asked, such as:

• Tell me about your research interests.
• What are your teaching strengths and weaknesses?
• How would you contribute to the department and university?
• Why are you interested in this position?

It is important to practice answering these questions in advance so that you can deliver clear and concise responses during your interview.

3. Be Yourself

It is important to be yourself during your interview. The interviewers want to get to know the real you, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and be passionate about your research and teaching.

4. Follow Up

After your interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewers. This is a simple way to show your appreciation and to reiterate your interest in the position.