Buddhism and Business: Merit, Material Wealth, and Morality in the Global Market Economy, edited by Trine Brox and Elizabeth Williams-Oerberg

What is it about?

_x000D_ The review of "Buddhism and Business" examines how digital media plays a dual role in both disseminating Buddhist teachings and perpetuating the misconception that Buddhism as anti-materialistic. This perception stems from a sole focus on a textual approach to the study of religions in its early days that overlooked diverse practices and representations within Buddhism. Although recent non-textual approaches have shone light on Buddhist engagement with social and political matters, the stereotype persists and is often intensified by marketing tactics that misinterpret or present incomplete understandings of Buddhist teachings associated with the textual approach to Buddhism. The book advocates the compatibility of material pursuits with Buddhist spiritual goals, tacitly referencing the "middle way," which allows monks to partake in economic activities as long as they adhere to principles of detachment._x000D_ _x000D_ However, the book could improve by defining anti-materialism and materialism more clearly. It often implies that Buddhism values spirituality over material concerns, reflecting a similar stance as other philosophical views. However, it shows that Buddhism engages with material needs to achieve enlightenment. There is also a lack of exploration into how different Buddhist schools, particularly Theravada Buddhism, deal with economic issues and aspects like gender discrimination.

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