Introduction to Buddha, Wisdom and Economics

This chapter provides an introduction and overview of this book entitled “Buddha, Wisdom and Economics.” There are a growing number of publications by Buddhists on economics while likewise there is a growing number of publications by economists on Buddhism, both of which are frequently referred to as Buddhist Economics. Unfortunately, in these publications, it is apparent that there is lack of understanding by Buddhists on economics as well as lack of understanding by economists on Buddhism. This book builds a bridge over this big river of ceaseless thoughts, which is, as readers will realize, nearly an implausible task. It provides a succinct but thorough description of Buddha’s wisdom in Chapters 2 and 3. On the other hand, it provides a succinct but thorough description of economics, the study of economies and economic activities, which is done in Chapters 4 to 9. The final goal of the book is to offer a forum for exchanges of ideas between economic thinkers and Buddhist thinkers.