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Part 3 of 5: Money, Debt and Religion - Buddhism
Monday, October 29th, 2007How Buddhism views money. Part 3 of 5 articles viewing what the world’s 5 major religions say about money and debt.
The Buddha wrote that economic stability is important for a person to be happy, but the endless pursuit of wealth will never bring happiness. This will merely render a man a slave.
Budda also teaches that working hard and without complaint whilst maintaining a simple code of ethics will bring happiness and peaceful prosperity.
Extravances are fine, so long as a balance is maintained between the spiritual and the material. This is to be coupled with an understanding of Bhogausukha, which is the happiness to be gained from sharing ones wealth with others.
Buddha Says:- “Grass is to be sought for by those in need of grass. Firewood is to be sought for by those in need of firewood. A cart to be sought for by those in need of a cart. A servant by him who is in need of a servant. But, Headman, in no manner whatsoever do I declare that gold and silver be accepted or sought for.”(S.IV 326)
This means is Wealth is to be sought not as an end in itself but as a means to an end, for attaining various objectives and fulfilling duties.
Buddhism and Debt
Ananasukha is the happiness derived from not being in debt, however this expends to personal indebtedness, not just money.
Buddha commands that a person pay off his debt before joining the Buddhist Sangha .
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Check back next Monday for Hinduism and Money/Debt
