The Dharma and Socially Engaged Buddhist Economics

This book defends and articulates an "Engaged Buddhist" approach to economics as a response to the destructive effects of global capitalism. It proposes that we engage both "inner and outer" modes of transformation to free ourselves from our current human-made, dysfunctional systems. It brings together Buddhist notions of skillful practice, John Deweys pragmatic principles for social provisioning, and institutional economics, and provides two case studies for experiments in Buddhist-based socioeconomic policies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 263 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents a compelling defense and articulation of an "Engaged Buddhist" approach to economics, offering a response to the detrimental impacts of global capitalism. The author posits that Buddhist understandings of the distortions of greed, aversion, and ignorance can be interpreted to apply not only to mental states but also to socio-political ones, suggesting rational responses to current social and environmental challenges. The book proposes that we engage both "inner and outer" modes of transformation to liberate ourselves from the human-made, dysfunctional systems that currently govern our lives. The former involves examining the workings of our own minds, while the latter involves critiquing and reforming our economic systems.

Since traditional Buddhism offers limited sources for constructing a Buddhist economic vision, this work brings together Buddhist notions of skillful practice, John Dewey's pragmatic principles for social provisioning, and institutional economics. The author provides two case studies for experiments in Buddhist-based socioeconomic policies, Thailand and Bhutan, which are of particular interest due to the implied parallel between worldviews emerging from modern socially-engaged Buddhism and Dewey's notion of a human existential drive to shape the world in collectively beneficial ways.

This book offers a valuable contribution to the field of economics by integrating Buddhist insights with contemporary economic theories and practices. It provides a holistic and compassionate perspective on economic issues, urging us to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom in our economic decision-making. By embracing an "Engaged Buddhist" approach, we can strive for a more just, sustainable, and equitable world for all.

Weight: 366g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030972264
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022