Buddhist Economics

[leegs]

Interesting read . . .

http://www.smallisbeautiful.org/budd...s/english.html

[cjppjc]

Re: Buddhist Economics

It is not wealth that stands in the way of liberation but the attachment to wealth; not the enjoyment of pleasurable things but the craving for them.

Interesting read . . .

http://www.smallisbeautiful.org/budd...s/english.html

The identification with these things. It is very strong. Is there a way to look at economics, and not use it as a tool to treat things as though they were bad?

[Rajiv]

Re: Buddhist Economics

I have posted before and I am posting again links to Complementary Community Currency Systems

Complementary Currency Systems are appropriately-designed social and economic networks which encourage cooperation and reciprocation, self-reliance and mutual aid, local production, micro-small enterprise development, socio-economic solidarity and economic justice for the meeting of needs, cultural revitalization, socio-economic solidarity and rural reconstruction.

and a good article - Introduction to the foundation and practice of appropriate economics

Since the publication of “Small is Beautiful” by E.F. Schumacher in 1973, his presentation of the need for an intermediate and appropriate technology has grown to become a significant movement in development worldwide. Although his calls for an appropriate application of economics in development were equally revolutionary and realistic, only rarely have we seen them put into practice. Many microfinance programs still rely on external loans from big banks at high rates of interest rather than developing the capital from within through a program which encourages borrowers to also save their money. Many economic and technological development programs follow models of economic development that are inappropriate to their particular situation.

Some economists have begun to realize that resources are not being allocated properly. Herman Daly and Joseph Stiglitz, both former heads of the World Bank, have outlined[1] the destructive effects of the present economic system on cultures and environments around the world. Many join them in criticizing the negative impacts of economic globalization and the subjugation of third world economies to the global marketplace. Other renowned economists such as J.K. Galbraith along with philosophers Fritjof Capra and E.F. Schumacher show great concern for the impacts of economics on people, environment and culture. Meanwhile, all major religions have expressed their concern, in the strongest terms, about the effects of an interest-based economic system on a harmonious way of life, calling for the inclusion of values and ethics in economics, and their opposition to the charging of interest and usury in moneylending. It sounds good, but how do we put it into practice?

There is also a very good electronic library at the site on these topics

[cjppjc]

Re: Buddhist Economics

Rajiv:
Nobody on this board can get up a link faster than you. You are the man. Or bird.

[*T*]

Re: Buddhist Economics

Interesting read . . .

http://www.smallisbeautiful.org/budd...s/english.html

I read Schumacher's book when I was young. It was very influential on me.