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Buddhist Economics

KotishkaKotishka Veteran
in Buddhism Today

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?

marcitko

Comments

  • JeroenJeroen Not all those who wander are lost Netherlands Veteran

    Well, here are a few things I do to support the planet…

    • I don’t own a car (public transport is pretty good here)
    • I don’t have kids (too many people on the planet already)
    • I don’t eat meat (but I do eat fish and eggs and cheese)
    • I try to buy durable things (Apple computers, a new bed built to last 30 years, no cheap clothing)
    • I buy only what I need (my iPhone lasts six years for instance)
    • I try to buy organic vegetables and fruit
    • I stay away from mainstream social media (Facebook, TikTok, X, Instagram)
    • I drink very little alcohol (the occasional Trappist beer)
    • I separate my garbage (plastic, cardboard, compostable and remainder)
    • I recycle my drinks containers (glass, plastic, cans)
    • I give stuff I don’t need to the recycling shops (circular economy)
    • I donate to Wikipedia regularly
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