Role Model of “Good” or “Highly Esteemed" People in the Chinese Didactic Literary Work “Caigen tan” and the Thai Didactic Literary Work “Klong Lokanitti”
A Comparative Study
Keywords:
Caigen tan, Klong Lokanitti, role model, pundit, junziAbstract
This article aims to study and compare the similarities and differences between the characteristics of junzi and “(nak) prat/pundit” as used in the didactic literary works Caigen tan and Klong Lokanitti respectively. The results find that the two terms are quite similar regarding their personality traits, that is, being a person of thinking and wisdom, morality, honesty, etc. In terms of their differences, due to the influence of three lines of philosophical thought, namely Confucius, Taoism, and Buddhism in Chinese society, and the influence of Buddhist doctrines in Thai society, it may be divided into 3 points, namely: 1) Chinese society emphasizes teaching principles of conduct for the peaceful coexistence of people in society according to Confucius' guidelines, regardless of one’s family background, whereas in Thai society, some people still believe that being a pundit runs in the family. It is innate wisdom without being taught by anyone; 2) Chinese society emphasizes living a simple, moderate way of life following the Taoist principles, whereas Thai society emphasizes knowing how to assess people and how to behave ourselves; 3) Chinese society emphasizes letting go and not be attached to all things following the Zen Buddhist philosophy, whereas Thai society emphasizes faith in the Dhamma and the learning and seeking of Dhamma teachings. Therefore, it may be concluded that the good role models that are admirable in both works are similar in essence, with only minor differences in details.
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