
Many who are unfamiliar with the Buddha's teaching classify it as a religion that is out of date. But these people have it completely wrong, because eighty percent of the topics covered in his Leer are included are for today's world. According to the Buddha come all but one of the five blessings that increase for the virtuous, available in this life; ten of the eleven benefits are available immediately through the development of loving-kindness metta [1]. One who lives a good life in this world is assured of happiness to be in the next. This is what the Buddha emphasizes in his Teachings. And thus the Buddha not only taught the path leading to cessation of suffering; he also pointed out the path to a highly satisfying one way of life on earth. One aspect of this secular advancement refers towards an economic system based on Buddhist principles with the objectivity of economic development that comes with the elimination of poverty. The Buddha advises on a righteous profession such as being involved in agriculture, in commerce, in dairy production, in defense, in government institutions and other professional professions. He teaches not to trade in weapons, in slaves, in animals for slaughter, in alcoholic drink, in poison, in drugs and intoxicants.
Endnotes
[1] It is unclear exactly which five blessings are meant here, but the Maha Mangala Sutta Snp2-04 will be enlightening. At metta in the wbk the eleven blessings are mentioned.
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