BUDDHIST ECONOMICS

WHAT?

• Produce only what you need
• Simplicity
• Not what's cheapest but serves purpose best
• Focus=Quality of Life

HOW?

• Work needs to be meaninging, not stressful
• Produce and Consume what's necessary
• Avoid using machines to keep jobs
• Use solar, wind, hydroelectric
• Leave time for self and artistic improvement

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FOR WHOM?

• People who strive for Simplicity
• Straight, defined path
• People who don't need more than basic needs

ADVANTAGES

• Low unemployment
• Sustainability of Products

DISADVANTAGES

• Little flexibility to move up
• Set jobs and wages

DOES WELL?

• Economic Equality
• Full Employment

DOESN'T DO WELL?

• Economic Freedom
• Economic Growth

REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

• SEE LA
• Berkeley Community Gardens
• Victory Gardens

"But Buddhism is "The Middle Way" and therefore in no way antagonistic to physical well-being. It is not wealth that stands in the way of liberation but the attachment to wealth; not the enjoyment of pleasurable things, but the craving for them. The keynote of Buddhist economics, therefore, is simplicity and non-violence... amazingly small means leading to extraordinarily satisfactory results."