World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 980

Mr.Hideaki Teroshita, President of the Tokyo- based Buddhist Economics Forum said that come out from the economic crises' we need to actively apply Buddhist principles to management'. He recalled the teachings of the Buddha, which laid emphasis on balance, learning contentment and living with others.
Masami Takahashi of Kibi International University, said "We should envision a community where we get over ethnic, political economic conflicts and come to live comfortably by sharing goods, and services on the basis of the Buddhist spirit of benevolence and tolerance".
Akira Takei of Takasaki City University of Economics said "A Buddhist Economy could rectify the failings of the present market economy, such as 'mass sale, mass consumption and mass discard".
Kazuo Yahuhara of Ashikaga Institute of Technology said that material well-being aside, the quality of life should be enhanced by attaining spiritual contentment and spiritual peace. This is something which we should try to get from economics based on the Buddhist Philosophy".
Social Realm:
In modern times the social implications of Buddhist practice have become well-known as ' Socially engaged Buddhism'. It is not new development in Buddhism, it goes back to the Buddha himself, who exhorted his disciples to get out and work for the welfare and happiness of all beings [bahujan hitaya and bahujanasukhaya].
The life of Buddha exemplified this spirit. He spent 35 years, after enlightenment, walking the pathways of northern India, going to people, guiding and helping them in whatever way he could. He was a great critic of social evils, wring forms of livelihood, unjust government and all kinds of violence and exploitation. He saw that the serious problem of Indian society is the alarming deterioration in moral and ethical values at all levels and in all sections of society. Therefore, he emphasized on pure code of conduct, right livelihood and five great precepts
[Panchashila]. He gave importance to ethical values in one's life, on process of spiritual development. The process of spiritual development is described in Buddhism as consisting of the path of vision and the path of of transformation. Without a vision of higher life or a feeling for it, there is no possibility of inner transformation.
For Buddhists, Lord Buddha's figure itself is symbol of great vision. The Buddha exemplifies what human being can do with his/her life, if they make the effort. In Buddhist religion, the Lord Buddha is shown some times meditating, teaching, giving courage and strength and walking mindfully.
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