* Chinese philosophy:
man means 'human heartiness'.
* Greek philosophy:
one who can use reasoning.
* Indian philosophy:
one who has a perfected soul.
* Buddhism:
one who excels all other beings in terms of mind and its development.
Who is a great man?
A great man shows his greatness
by the way that he treats
his poor fellow beings with compassion.
Dhammananda, K. S., "Food for the Thinking Mind," Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, 1999, P. 232.
Who is regarded as a real man?
* A man without the feeling of mercy is not a man.
* A man without the feeling of deference and politenessis not a man.
* A man without feeling shame and dislike is not a man.
* A man without feeling right and wrong is not a man.
~ Mencius ~
Man can become god
Buddhism upholds the view that man is an intelligent being. He surpasses even the devas (gods) in wisdom and strength.
The Bodhisatva left heaven and descended to this world in order to attain his enlightenment.
Gods do not have the ability to purify and develop their minds to attain enlightenment. Only man can gain such a status.
Where is the fate of a man?
The fate of a man is decided not by the whims of a supernatural being, but by his thoughts, words and deeds.
Dhammananda, K. S., "Food for the Thinking Mind," Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia, 1999, P. 233 - 4.
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