As the Chinese translation of the Sanskrit word "sama," pingdeng (平等) means the same level with no difference. As a fundamental concept of Buddhism, it originally meant that there was no difference between the various castes. Later on, in Mahayana Buddhism and Buddhism adapted to the Chinese conditions, such as Zen Buddhism, it was believed that there was no difference between dharmas and between all sentient beings in terms of Buddha-nature and ultimate meaning. Buddhism stresses the value of equality in several respects, of which the most important one is equality for all sentient beings (there is no difference between living things). This is generally considered to mean equality for everyone. In modern times, the Western concept of equality was translated as pingdeng, in the sense that as a member of society, everyone enjoys the same status, opportunities and rights in social relations and social activities.