BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:  INTEGRATING SOCIETY, ECONOMY, AND ENVIRONMENT

Shiv Lal Bhusal

Authors

Shiv Lal Bhusal Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

Keywords:

Sustainable Development, Wisdom Spiral, Buddhist Philosophy, Inner Transformation, Engaged Buddhism

Abstract

Background and Objective: Prosperity achieved by human civilization loses its real meaning if the socio-economic well-being of mankind and its stewardship of natural systems are ignored. Any damage to these systems makes them unsustainable and ultimately threatens human civilization. The discussion of this study focuses on two contrasting philosophical approaches to sustainable development: An ongoing growth-oriented model that relies on profit, technology, and policy solutions, and an ethically grounded, justice-oriented view historically rooted in South Asian communities. The core debate centers on whether profit should define social and ecological outcomes, or whether social values should set the limits of profit. Whether sustainability is best understood as an individual market choice or as a collective responsibility, and the environmental crisis faced by humanity reflects a deficit of technology, or a crisis of ethical values that requires a fundamental shift. The main objective of the study was to critically examine the perspectives of sustainability with reference to Buddhist and spiritual practices in South Asia as a collective resource that informed holistic and value-driven responses to pressing global challenges, supported by empirical examples of development practices.

Methodology: A qualitative design with documentary research has been followed. With a systematic review of the literature, including classical Buddhist texts, the canon in Pali, and experiences from engaged Buddhism, the primary sources for the analysis were taken from these sources. Ideas from Key informants comprising 10 specialists regarding Buddhist Philosophy and their application have been conducted and taken as a guide for the analysis. Evidence from community-based practices has been incorporated to explain the understanding of Buddhism not only as a philosophy, but as an ethical and lively resource for supporting sustainable development. Applying a thematic approach to content analysis and comparative textual interpretation, the study proposes the concept of the Wisdom spiral, integrating the inner transformation with outer sustainability.

Main Results: Unlike the contemporary worldview, the indigenous and Buddhist worldviews and practices recognize the interdependence of all life and teach that true prosperity does not come from unlimited growth but from ethical living. The system guided by Buddhist philosophy offers an alternative in which harmony between human society, the ecosystem, and all beings can be achieved with deep respect. Proving philosophical guidelines of interdependence, the Middle Way, and shared responsibility, Buddhist philosophy suggests a moral and practical framework for environmental, social, and economic balance with human-nature relations. The evidence from indigenous values and traditions in South Asian communities also reflects the lived experience of alternatives.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: Drawing from the Buddhist philosophy and practices of Engaged Buddhism, this paper examines how Buddhist ideas have been reshaped in modern times as both spiritual imperatives and practical tools for shaping and implementing policy. A dialectical approach has been followed to find differences between the original Buddhist teaching and initiatives taken by engaged Buddhism for sustainable development. This allows for a nuanced understanding of how spiritual philosophy can help to shape the ethical boundaries of recent orientation. An interpretative textual analysis rooted in a historical cultural context has been explored to examine how classical Buddhist traditions are interpreted in practices.

Conclusions: Drawing on the concept of the wisdom spiral, integrated with the sustainability bottom line, the study concludes that sustainability requires more than technological advancement, and development becomes meaningful only when it respects economic viability, considers social equity, and respects ecological limits. The findings emphasize that human activity should be guided by moderation, compassion, and interdependence. Sustainability is more than a technological advancement. It is not value-neutral but requires fundamental ethical transformation that Buddhist and spiritual practices can offer holistically.

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