Chapter 4 Asian Moral Character

• Buddhism shapes character in Southeast Asia as Christianity does

  in Europe.
• Theravada Buddhism encourages practitioners to keep their emotions

  and passions in check and stresses karma over determination.
• FIVE BASIC MORAL PROHIBITIONS ACCORDING TO BUDDHISM:

  • Avoid illicit sexual activity

  • Do not steal

  • Do not speak falsely

  • Refrain from taking life

  • Refrain from consuming

  inebriating substances.
• Confucianism is a social code based on morality rather than laws.
• Smiles are often genuine way of expressinghappiness and friendliness
• Asians stress personal orientation rather than task orientation, the needs of the group is given priority than for the individual.
• Confucian values include love, and respect for

  the family, loyalty, honesty, humility,

  industriousness, respect for elders, patience,

  persistence, hard work, friendship,

  commitment to the community rather than

  just individual rights and preference for

  consultation rather than open confrontation.
• FIVE CARDINAL VIRTUES ACCORDING TO CONFUCIANISM

  Jen, Li, Yi, Hsin, Chih
• Jen - Benevolence in terms of sympathy for others.
• Yi - Duty reflected in the shame after doing something wrong.
• Li - Manners propriety and feelings of deference.
• Chih - Wisdom, in terms of discerning right or wrong.
• Hsin - Loyalty and good faith.