Human Dignity

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Human Dignity

Let us try to ascertain to what extent we are also able to discuss, from the Buddhist point of view, that which is relevant to this simple and yet sometimes confusing subject touching on human dignity.

What are the humane qualities which gave rise to dignity and nobility ? They are based on moral, ethical, intellectual and spiritual norms which we human beings uphold and treasure in our day to day relationship with one another. As human beings we have minds which we can develop to such an extent that we can differentiate between what is right and what is wrong, between what we should be proud of and what we should be ashamed of. These are humane qualities that we all cherish as human beings. It is in cherishing such values that we distinguish ourselves as human beings and not animals.

To able to develop one's mind one must be able to develop and sustain one's thinking power which is the Ability to judge between what is ethnical and what is unethical, what is moral and what is immoral, what is good and what is bad and what is right and what is wrong. These are attributes within the grasp of human beings. Animals do not have such attributes - animals act by instinct. It would appear that human beings are the only living beings that can develop their minds or their thinking power to such high levels - even to the extent of attaining Buddhahood.

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Moral Shame and Moral Fear

Before the advent of world religions, human beings were guided by two valuable factors, which in primitive times, contributed on upholding of the dignity of man. They are 'Hiri' and 'Ottappa'. 'Hiri' is the shame of pure mind feels at the thought of doing evil. 'Ottappa' is the aversion which causes one is shrink from from doing evil. 'Moral shame' and 'Moral fear' invariably govern all actions of human beings. When human beings succumb to the evil effects of drugs, liquor, lust, anger, greed, envy, selfishness and hate, they lose their balance. They deny themselves the right to human dignity and become like animals.

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Different Characteristics of Human Beings

There are certain characteristics in our human nature we have to guard and nurture carefully human values. Roughly speaking, these characteristics are divided into three aspects, our animal nature, our human nature and out divine nature. These three characteristics influence our behaviour in various digress. If we gave animal nature without making any effort to subdue or control our ugly actions, we will become a liability to society. Religion is an important too which can help us to control our animal nature. Religion, with the noble teachings coming from illustrious religious leaders, should serve as a guide as a tool for us to cultivate, nature and improve on the various aspects of our human nature. By cultivating and improving our human nature, we ultimately achieve our divine goal - we attain our divine nature.