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This article discusses aspects of human dignity according to the Buddhist anthropology from an integral perspective of the Buddhist Dharma, one based on rich documentation from the sacred texts of the Theravada and Mahayana traditions. Firstly, human dignity will be anchored in the seeds (potentialities) of the absolute Reality that are present in human nature under the semblance of the Tathagatagarbha (embrionic Buddha nature). Secondly, by a philosophical analysis of the universal Reality of Dharma, the Law of conditioned origin (pratityasamutpada) and the teaching on emptiness (shunyata), the notion of "Being" will be disclosed as "Inter-being" and hence human dignity appears in its cosmic dimension. Undergoing a process of purification, abstaining from any violence and of emptying the ego by practicing wisdom and compassion, the human subject begins to resemble the figure of the bodhisattva (a being on the threshold of enlightenment), the highest Buddhist ideal of altruism, in which the person freely postpones any individual achievement of Nirvana until the entire eco-system has reached the same perfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notion of wisdom in the Confucian tradition obviously deserves a very wide and complex study. For this article, its formative elements have been limited to the original notion of Confucianism (Ru-Chiao) according to its own definition as a "teaching of wise and holy men on the highest truth". The ethical-moral and spiritual values of wisdom have been considered under a salvific perspective as harmony within oneself, with others and with the entire universe. These facets can be studied from some of the major canons, such as Lun-yu (Dialogues), Zhung-yong (Doctrine of the Mean), Ta-xue (Great Learning), as well as from the teachings of Mencius and some neo-Confucian philosophers. Wisdom appears as closely connected to "listening to the Tao". Its manifestation in the world presupposes a knowledge of the Decree of Heaven as well as a consideration about human nature. As constitutive aspects of human existence, the virtues of love and wisdom meet in the heart of each person. Particular attention is given to the role of wisdom in the cosmic ecosystem and to its close relationship with public and political life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]