Bija Vidyapeeth: Centre for Learning
Buddhist Economics
September 17 - 20, 2003
with Sulak Sivaraksa and Vandana Shiva
Buddhist Economics can be understood in a strict sense. The book Buddhist Economics of Ven. Payuttho is a very good example of the application of Therevada teachings towards economic life. Seen from a broader perspective E.F. Schumacher’s Small is Beautiful has been the eye- opener for many towards the notion that economics can be Buddhist. More recently H.H. the Dalai Lama inspired business leaders to rethink their economic paradigms. The broader understanding of “Buddhist Economics” includes interaction with other worldviews like Hinduism (Mahatma Gandhi), Islam, Christianity and the Tao. Also smaller, alternative spiritual streams like Quakers, Sufism, Humanism and Anthroposophy are contributing to a common ~ cross-cultural ~ effort to feed ‘holistic development’ with a new vision on economics. This new vision is based on the experiences of people’s movements (like community business and farmers movements) in the first place, but also addresses meso- and macro-economic challenges.
The Course
The objective of the workshop on “Buddhist Economics” conducted by Sulak Sivaraksa and Vandana Shiva - both recipients of the Right Livelihood Award - is to bring business leaders, entrepreneurs and NGO workers from India, the Tibetan community and Thailand together in an international context (participants from other countries are also encouraged to register) in order to reflect on opportunities for cooperation in the future.
- Can “Buddhist Economics” contribute creatively to global transformation?
- What does it mean for a community or enterprise to explore this direction?
The start of a permanent Research & Development network on “Buddhist
Economics” could result from the workshop.
Faculty
For more details
Coordinator, Bija Vidyapeeth
A-60, Hauz Khas,
New Delhi, India
Tel: 91 11 26561868, 26562093
Fax: 91 11 26562093
bijavidyapeeth@vsnl.net
www.bijavidyapeeth.org
