Working in the Right Spirit: The Application of Buddhist Right Livelihood in the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order

Baumann, Martin

In: Journal of Buddhist Ethics, 5 (1998), . ISSN 1076-9005

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Abstract

This paper examines adaptive forms with regard to the interpretation of Buddhist economic ethics in the West by Western Buddhists. A brief outline of ethics in Buddhist teachings will be followed by a presentation of Weber's image of the 'world withdrawn Buddhist' allegedly not involved in any social and economic activities. Buddhist ethics, as portrayed by Weber, nowhere promotes socio-political engagement and entrepreneurial activities. Contrary to Weber's stereotyped view, which was widely accepted but rarely questioned, members of The Friends of the Western Buddhist Order have started to develop businesses and cooperatives, thus combining Buddhist teachings and involvement in the world. Their teambased Right Livelihood endeavors already have created a Buddhist economy on a small scale; their ultimate aim is to bring about a transformation of Western society. Thus, supposedly 'world withdrawn Buddhists' have become socio-economically active in the Western world.

Document type: Article
Version: Secondary publication
Date Deposited: 02 Jun 2008 15:09
ISSN: 1076-9005
Faculties / Institutes: Universitäten / Institute > Universität Luzern / Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaftliche Fakultät / Religionswissenschaftliches Seminar
DDC-classification: Other and comparative religions
Controlled Keywords: Westliche Welt, Buddhismus, Wirtschaftsethik
Uncontrolled Keywords: Buddhismus , Buddhistische Philosophie , Wirtschaftsethik , Rezeption, Buddhism , Buddhist Philosophy , Economic Ethics , Reception
Series: Personen > Schriften von Martin Baumann
Volume: 3