Conscience (Buddhism)

In Hinayana Buddhism, this is the formation that has conscientious scruples and may also be referred to as modesty; its characteristic is disgust or abomination of evil and its proximate cause is respect for self.

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. Nevertheless there is some confusion, as, in Tibetan Buddhism, 'hri' is translated as 'shame'. Together they are referred to as the 'guardians of the world'.