Good luck to Tobin, but he's just being silly about this "eastern philosophy" bit.
"Eastern philosophy" is so alien to the western character (those in the west not of eastern derivation) that it's rare a westerner can really understand it. I give you the examples of the bitter old Vermontese cali primitive and Atman, shitheads both.
Far better that Tobin seek understanding and solace in those "philosophies" that sustained and flourished his own people throughout the ages.