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-% NOTE T@USERS The original document received by U&lI60ntains pages with slanted print. Pages wemfilmed as received. - P 2 This reproduction is the best copy available. 1 UMI I% , AN OUTLINE OF P BUDDHGT ECONOMIC THEORY AND SYSTEM B.Sc., Tsukuba University, 1985 M. Econ., Tsu,kuba University, 1987 THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the DEPARTMENTOF ECONOMICS O Priyanut Piboolsravut 1997- SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY December, 1997 \ All rights reserved. This work may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without permission of the author. - National Library Bibiioth&que nationale 1+1 of Canada du Canada Acquisitions and Acquisitions et Bibliographic Services services bibliographiques 395 Wellington Street a,rue Wellington OtlamON KlAON4 WwaON KIA ON4 CaMda Canada Your file Vorre refemu) Our Ills Norre reldrence * The author has granted a non- L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive licence alloiving the exclusive pennettant a la National Library of Canada to Bibliotheque nationale du Canada de reproduce, loan, dstribute or sell reproduye, preter, dlstribuer ou copies of this thesis in microform, vendre des copies de cette these sous paper or electronic fmats. la forme de microfiche/film, de -==.< reproduction sur papier ou sur format electronique. The author retams ownership of the L'auteur conserve la propriete du this thesis. Neither the droit d'auteur qui protege cktte these. thesis nor substantial ex6acts &om it Ni la these ni des extraits substantiels may be printed or othemise de celle-ci ne doivent Etre imprimes reproduced without the author's ou autrement reproduits sans son permission. # autorisation. Degree: PhD (Economics) Titleof Thesis: An Outline of Buddhist Economic Theory and System 9 Examining Committee: Chair: Dr. Robert Jones Dr. Mahmood Khan Senior Supervisor Dr. Michael Lebowitz Supervisor Dr. Lawrence Boland Internal Examiner Dr. Donald K. Swearer, Swarthmore college External Examiner Date Approved: Monday, December 8,1997 Abstract l. The vision of the latest economic development plan (1997-2001) in Thailand has been influenced by the movement which has appe$ed to Buddhism as the foundation for a renewed Thai-style economic system. -~Besides the works by this movement and scholarly works in search of Buddhist economics, there is no explicitly developed economic theory based on Buddhist teachings. This 4 study attempts to (i) develop a theoretical framework for Buddhist economics from the fundamental Buddhist principles and (ii) expldre basic features of a Buddhist economic system. The study first lays out the basic philosophical framework and methodology based on the fundamental principles and ethical values of Buddhism. It also reviews the existing literature of Buddhist economics to place itself in the proper context. It then develops a basic theoretical d framework for Buddhist economics which comprises two parts: positive and normative. The positive theory consists of three fundamental axioms which characterize the prope ties of economic phenomena: non-self, impermanency and unsatisfactoriness./9 The normative part consists of the criterion of cost- effectiveness and Buddhist principles of action~responsibility,harmlessness, generosity, and discernment. Based on this theoretical framework, the study then identifies the broad contours of a Buddhist economic system. The outline illustrates economic 'activities consistent with the Buddhist principles which comprises the acquisition, protection and utilization of wealth. It also discusses the characteristics of major economic institutions in a Buddhist economy: the market, firm, community, and state. The study concludes with some constructive suggestions for planning Thailand's long-term socio-economic development, should it choose to develop a Buddhist economy. Dedication Acknowledgments I would like to express my gratitude to many individuals who have assisted me greatly throughout my Ph.D. programme at Simon Fraser University. First, I truly appreciate the Canadian people for providing me with financial support during my studies through the Canadian International Development Agency. , I am especially grateful to my senior supervisor, Professor Mahmood Hasan Khan, for his encouragement, guidance and support over the length of my research for ths thesis. The thesis could not have come to exist as it is without his careful reviews, comments and suggestions as well as a constant and open-minded intellectual stimulation. With equal gratitude, I would like t~ thank my thesis supervisor, Professor Michael Lebowitz. His expertise in ani ism and Socialism has made the strongest contribution to my own understanding of the issues and concepts of Buddtust economics. His extensive guidance and patient reviews of many drafts have been extremely valuable. To these two supervisors, I extend my most heartfelt appreciation for their kindness and understanding that have made my study life at SFU most memorable. I also acknowledge the input and comments of Professor Lawrence , Boland which have greatly fostered my understanding regarding methodology in economic analysis. Professor Zane Spindler *gave me the courage to attempt this topic when it was little more than an idea and a dream. I extend many thanks to many friends and staffs at the Department of Economics for their assistance and support in many ways. Mahamudu Bawumia, Catalina .Castell, Barbara Clark, John Hayfron, Lynn Kumpula, Naeem Mohammed, Thomas du Payrat, Gisela Seifert, Nobuya Takezawa, and all the wonderful people whom I was fortunate to know during this ~ourneyin search of knowledge, I thank you all. Severa 1 Thai and Canadian friends whom I met F vi at the temple have also assisted me in many ways and gven me strength to overcome difficulties at various times. In particular, Anak, Eed, Elizabeth, Kwan, Lukpla, Manop, Matchima, Miguel, Ood, porn,' Roberta, Tikki and Thum, I will always remember our friendship. In Bangkok, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Bunyaraks Ninsananda, who encouraged me to come to Canada and has supported me throughout these years, whch I highly appreciate. I also thank my friends at the office of NESDB, especially to Khun Penja Onchid who helped me overcome administrative hurdles many times, enabling me to continue my studies. Many monks and teachers have had a profound influence on my understanding of the Buddhist teachings. I would especially like to express my highest respect to Ajahn.Maha Boowa of Wat Pa Ban Taad, Ajahn Lee of Wat Haew Luk, Payutto Bhikkhu, Thanissaro Bhikkhu of Wat Metta, Ajahn Pasanno of Abhayakiri Temple, Ajahn Sona of Birken Forest Monastery and Dhammachayo Bhikkhu of Wat Dhammakaya. Their way of life has inspired me and deepened my c6nviction in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. +-, Special thanks for my best friend, Darryl Kadonaga, for unceasingly and patiently reading and editing the manuscripts from the first through the last drafts. His encouragement~~throughoutthe process kept me constantly reading and writing. I also owe Wayne Watson aadeepgratitude for providing physical and mental support for the home stretch. I hope our friendship helps d us grow together in our journeys. Above all, I am highly indebted to my parents, Sawaeng Piboplsravut and Somjai Wannakosit, for bringing me into this world and supporting me in every way. Your continued love and patience, waiting back home, have given me the strength to overcome ali the difficulties I experienced throughout the years that I have been away. This work is especially dedicated to both of you. 4 Table of Contents . TABLEOF CONTENTS ........................................................................ vi~ LISTS OF TABLES AND FIGURES ................................................................ x CHAPTER1: INTRODU~ON 1. Background .................................................................................... 1 2 . Objective of the Study ..................................................................... 9 3 . Methodology and Scope of the Study ................................................. 9 9 CHAPTER2: FUNDAMENTALPRINCIPLES IN BUDDHISM Introduction .................................................................................. 12 The Buddhist View of Human Life .................................................. 14 2 1 Three Characteristics of Nature ............................................................................. 15 2.2 Diagnosis of the Cause of Suffering ..................................................................17 The Goal of Human Life-and the Means to Achieve It: ....................... 25 3 1 The Cessation of Suffering............................................................................ 26 3.2 The Way to Cease Suffering....................................................................... 27 Fundamental Social and Ecanornic Ethics ........................................... 33 4.1 The Problem of Povert )- ....................................................................33 d" 4.2 The R~ghtLiveLhmd of the In&vidual ................................................ 38 4.3 Social Ethics in a Buddhist Community .......................................................42 4.4 The State and Its Roles .......................................................................... 44 Summary ..................................................................................... 46 CHAPTER3: INTERPRETATIONSOF BUDDHISTDOCTRINES a 1 . Introduction ................................................................................
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