East
West
Live in 'time'
Value rest and relaxation
Passive, accepting
Contemplative
Accept what is
Live in nature (part of nature itself)
Want to know meaning
Freedom of silence
Lapse into meditation
Marry first, then love
Love is silent
Focus on consideration of others' feelings
Learn to do with less material assets
Ideal: love of life
Honour austerity
Wealth or poverty: results of fortune
Cherish wisdom of years
Retire to enjoy the gift of one's family Live in 'space'
Value activity
Assertive, confronting
Diligent
Seek change
Live with nature (co-existing with nature)
Want to know how it works
Freedom of speech
Strive for articulation
Love first, then marry
Love is vocal
Focus on self-assuredness, own needs
Attempt to get more of everything
Ideal: being successful
Honour achievement
Wealth or poverty: results of enterprise
Cherish vitality of youth
Retire to enjoy the rewards of one's work
Our Heart of Lao page gives more insight into the Thai and Lao Buddhist mindset.
Honesty & 'Truth'
Another difference between Western – Judao/Christian (also Islam) thinking is the concept or interpretation of 'honesty'. In the West, although it's not always adhered to, the truth is real and very important. In some Eastern cultures, truth is at its best something to be searched for and at its worst, irrelevant (compared to Western perspective). For example, with regard to Chinese or Korean history, the Japanese will say that they have different views of events. Westerners can accept there are different opinions, but facts are facts even if there is some uncertainty or disagreement as to what those facts are.