Understanding The Philosophy Of Buot-Loob-Nakem

Abstract

What is loob, buot, nakem and its other Philippine counterparts? We think that the English translation equivalent is the inner self. This inner self embraces loob as the intellect, will, the feelings. They are also connected to the physical. Kalooban embraces
the entire self. It is holistic and interior. It is non-compartmentalized. In other words, kalooban is the inner self.

We have three concentric circles pertaining to the inner self, starting from the outermost, namely, body, soul and spirit. These three components are not compartmentalized but act as one. In the second concentric circle, the Filipino does not compartmentalize thinking, willing, feeling, and being ethical. In the third concentric circle again we see here the principle of holism, that kalooban embraces the holistic inner self.

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