REFLECTIONS OF BUDDHIST ECONOMIC THOUGHT AND WAY OF LIVELIHOOD IN EARLY INDIA

Buddhism is a complex subject, a philosophy that has evolved in many different ways and
various regions of Asia, and is still a living faith today. However, if we take the trouble to go to the
words of the Buddha himself, we find a full and rich teaching encompassing every aspect of human
life, with a great deal of practical advice on how to live with integrity, wisdom and peace in the
midst of a confusing world. Perhaps it is time for such teaching to be more widely disseminated. In
this paper I have tried to discuss the Buddhist perspective on the subject of economic thoughts and
theories. While not seeking to present a comprehensive Buddhist economic theory, I have tried to
provide tools for reflection, ways of looking at economic questions based on a considered
appreciation of the way things are, the way we are. I hope that presenting this paper may go at
least a short way towards resolving what has been called the current 'impasse of economics,' and
to awaken researchers and academicians to the wide-reaching contemporary relevance of the
timeless truths that the Buddha discovered and shared with us. This paper takes a different
approach -- a spiritual approach. As such, it does not delve into the technical intricacies of
economics. Instead it examines the fundamental fears, desires and emotions that motivate our
economic activities