The Pacific Rim embraces diverse faiths. But three of the indigenous ones share values such as self-discipline, self-denial and harmony with others and with nature. These values influence Asians' approach to work, family and politics.

Buddhism

Beliefs: Right thinking and self denial will enable the soul to reach Nirvana, a divine state of release from misdirected desire.

Before a soul reaches Nirvana, it undergoes an endless cycle of rebirths dictated by Karma, the "fruits of actions" and the intent behind the actions.

Founded: About 525 B.C. in India by Gautama Siddhartha, the Buddha - or the Enlightened One, who achieved enlightenment by living a life devoted to intense meditation. Buddhism spread across East and Central Asia and practitioners are now found throughout the world.

Sacred texts: The \o7 Tripitaka\f7 , a collection of the Buddha's teachings, rules of monastic life and philosophical commentaries on the teachings; also a vast body of Buddhist teachings and commentaries exist, called \o7 sutras\f7 .

Organization: The \o7 sangha\f7 is the basic monastic order through which traditions are passed down. Monastic life tends to be democratic and anti-authoritarian. Large lay organizations have developed in some sects.

Confucianism

Beliefs: Emphasis on the Chinese concept of \o7 Li\f7 , code of proper conduct, which underlies all relationships, public and private. The family is the nucleus of the State, and the "five relations" between king and subject, father and son, man and wife, older and younger brother and friend and friend, are determined by the virtues of love of fellow men, righteousness and respect.

Founded: About 500 B.C. in northern China by Confucius (Kung Fu-Tzu), a teacher and philosopher.

Sacred texts: In China, Confucianism is termed "The School of the Literati", scholars and teachers of the Five Classics which includes the \o7 Analects\f7 a collection of his sayings as recorded by his students and the \o7 I Ching \f7 or Book of Changes

Organization: Confucian scholars, or literati, perform twice yearly temple sacrifices in which Confucius and ancestors are venerated according to tradition.

Taoism

Beliefs: The Taoist ideal is a person who avoids conventional social obligation and leads a simple spontaneous and meditative life close to nature and thus achieving immortality. There is also a belief in a balance that governs all of life and nature, the yin and the yang, both in perfect harmony and both representative of good; evil only appears when the harmony between them is disturbed.