Human Development

Shame

Description:
In Hinayana Buddhism, this is the formation that is ashamed about misconduct and is anxious or agitated about evil; its characteristic is fear or dread of evil and its proximate cause is respect for others.
Context:
One of the formations aggregate (mental coefficients) of Hinayana Buddhism, being listed among the constant states which appear in their true nature, and as profitable primary (always present in any profitable or profitable-resultant consciousness). Although shame and conscience are considered closely related they are listed as separate formations. Together they are regarded as the 'guardians of the world'.<