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Buddhist Economics
I believe that, while no one necessarily needs to follow the socially engaged Buddhist path, not supporting certain companies or trends is a good way to deepen one’s practice, or what I associate with being Buddhist.
Unfortunately, this comes with many inconveniences. For example, refusing to support Meta means not being able to engage on Instagram, a place where you can sometimes thrive and develop your business or online image. As a mental health professional, I have always found social media controversial, but I have inevitably come to find it increasingly disruptive. It is like giving a 15-year-old a 1000cc bike to start with rather than following the usual progression of 50cc, 100cc, and so on.
Regarding other sectors, @Shoshin1 once shared a video about chocolate that made me change my purchasing habits in favour of a much more ecological and tastier option. The same should apply to products that support tyrannical regimes or destructive companies. But to what extent can one maintain this without switching off completely? I mean, what alternative does my iPad have? So far, my Buddhist economic approach has been to ensure that I use it appropriately and take good care of it so that it lasts for as long as possible.
I was reading a book called Small Is Beautiful, and it discussed how what is good for the developed world is not necessarily good for the developing world. The argument was that developing countries should not aim for exactly the same technology and comforts as us, but rather for the level of “intermediate technology” that is actually necessary. I understand the point because, if everyone aimed to own an iPad, I do not know whether that would be sustainable. Or perhaps what is truly unsustainable is not the existence of iPads themselves, but our constant drive to produce new models every year rather than focusing on durable and functional ones.
The technological revolution has brought tremendous advances, but also a great deal of noise and waste. It has also made me reflect on some of the decisions I have made in order to survive a weakening euro and the constant struggle to support myself as housing has become increasingly inaccessible, even in small towns here in Spain.
What are your Buddhist economics?
Kotishka
Re: New? Introduce Yourself to NB Members!
Hi there, my name is Ivo. I became interested and fascinated with Buddhism two decades after seeing a biography about the life of the Tathagata on a television public broadcasting station. l while I was living with my uncle in the SF Bay Area. I started integrating meditation into my life about 7 years ago.I feel very fortunate to have found this website.I hope to gain more knowledge about the philosophy of the Blessed one! My goal is to travel to Thailand within the next year or two once I save up enough money to afford a plane ticket! Blessings
Ivomon77
Re: The mystic sounds
From the beginning of language, it was known that words have power. Words of peace, words of trust, words of compassion and mercy, words of awakening, words of destruction and darkness.
Let us use more words of peace, growth, compassion, mercy and love.
Let us manifest the Bodhisattva with our words.
Thus may we open the domain of the Buddha within.
Peace to all
Lionduck
Re: Zazen is good
It took a few years and a few big whacks from life to be able to let go of some very bad habits. I sometimes appreciate the Dharma as a great friend during my adult development.
It reminds me of the day I stopped biting my nails. I was gnawing my bleeding fingertips and nails until I noticed a pop followed by something hard and sharp around my tongue and gums. I had broken the middle part of one of my front teeth! I stopped immediately, I became really self-conscious of my poor habit. Well, it seems spiritual practice tries to warn you before you end up in these situations.
Another analogy I like is how you might be run over a few hedgehogs while driving carelessly and without any lights but, once you realise that the poor creatures are there, you start driving a bit more carefully and using your lights as well. If you keep driving in that manner even though you are aware of the harm behind your actions....sigh Been there.
PD: No hedgehogs were harmed (I don't drive! 
)
Kotishka
Re: What movies are you watching?
@marcitko said:
I very much enjoyed this documentary/movie about the soccer team of American Samoa, 'the worst football team by FIFA ranking who never won a game or scored a goal'.
Oh yes! Australia beat them 31-0 I recall. Archie Thompson scored 13
Bunks
Re: For the coming year
@Jeroen said:
I find that the last few months I have been worrying about selling my dad’s apartment, and I haven’t created as much space for the breath. I had kind of forgotten about it while getting caught up in the day to day.Then i came across a question on another forum, do you meditate? And in answering that I remembered my year of the breath, and I just picked it back up again. It feels wonderful, so soft.
I have been trying to put some space between feeling and acting in recent times.
When frustration or irritability overtake me, rather than expressing it verbally, go for a walk or come back to the breath.
Have been able to maintain this for the most part
Bunks
Re: Zazen is good
It is true that Buddhism appears to go against the grain, but it only looks that way. Often it is a result of trying to move too quickly along the path.
When you wait for the right moment to let things go, you will find a certain ripeness within. And then discarding bad habits becomes easy.
I have experienced the same thing with Osho’s teachings. A little more patience, gratitude, kindness, openness… and things begin to happen by themselves.
It reminds me of this Zen joke:
A young man approached a Zen master and asked “Master, how long will it take for me to learn Zen?” The master replied, “Ten years.” The young man then asked, “And if I really apply myself, how long then?” The master replied, “Twenty years.”
I would say, learn to float downstream and gradually absorb the Dhamma. Surround yourself with good influences and let them work on you. Eliminate bad influences, a little at a time.
Jeroen