Exploring the Intersection of Economic Development and Ultramundaneity
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Economic Development and Ultramundaneity
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Original source:
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Ralph Pieris.
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Economic Development and Ultramundaneity
Year: 1963
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This text explores the economic implications of the spiritual-temporal divide prevalent in certain Oriental religions, specifically Hinduism and Buddhism. The dichotomy between sacred and profane aspects of life presents significant challenges for adherents, as it dictates the compatibility of secular activities with spiritual salvation. The text elaborates on how this division influences everyday life and economic pursuits among believers, emphasizing different interpretations and practices stemming from religious teachings.
The Dichotomy of Sacred and Profane in Religions
Central to the discussion is the idea that many religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, categorize the world into sacred and profane realms. In some traditions, this division is absolute, leading adherents to withdraw from worldly activities to pursue a religious life entirely. While functional deities may be invoked in secular matters, these activities are not imbued with religious merit, separating them from the spiritual pursuit of salvation. The text highlights how householder life in these religions is expected to reconcile ritual observances with daily responsibilities, burdening the average believer with rigorous expectations that can be difficult to navigate within the economic sphere.
Economic Morality and Asceticism in Hinduism and Buddhism
The text also deals with the ascetic ideals prominent in both Hinduism and Buddhism, where renunciation and detachment are essential for attaining liberation or nirvana. Religious texts impose strict guidelines on laypersons, advocating abstention from lucrative economic activities like trade and usury. The ideal of the sannyasin or world-renouncer becomes the ultimate goal, where even the householder must regulate his or her life to align with ascetic principles. Such a framework makes it difficult for believers to engage fully in the economic life without feeling at odds with spiritual aspirations, leading to a societal expectation that places divine value on austerity and detachment from worldly gains.
Gandhi's Approach to the Secular and Sacred
The text highlights Mahatma Gandhi as a significant figure confronting the dichotomy between spirituality and everyday life. Gandhi's "experiments with truth" showcased his commitment to morality in all aspects, including business practices. While he advocated for ethical behavior in economic activities, he did not integrate secular pursuits into the spiritual domain, reinforcing the notion that profitable activity does not contribute to liberation. Despite his efforts to champion a harmonious relationship between morality and business ethics, the broader cultural perception often viewed economic activities and spiritual practices as mutually exclusive, reflecting a deep-rooted belief system.
Conclusion
In summary, the rigid divide between sacred and profane realms in Hinduism and Buddhism presents substantial challenges for economic development and engagement in worldly affairs. Ascetic ideals and strict religious guidelines often inhibit active participation in economic life, emphasizing a lifestyle focused on renunciation. As seen in the life of Gandhi, attempts to reconcile these aspects remain complex, revealing that, for many adherents, the pursuit of economic prosperity is often perceived as at odds with spiritual salvation. Ultimately, the text argues that such dichotomous beliefs can hinder economic development in societies where ultramundane aspirations dominate, suggesting a need for deeper integration of spiritual and economic life.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the text regarding economic activities?
The text examines how certain Oriental religions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism, view the relationship between secular economic activities and spiritual pursuits, illustrating a significant divide between the sacred and the profane.
How do the dharma sutras influence daily activities according to Hindus?
The dharma sutras provide prescriptions and restrictions that regulate social relations and daily activities. However, these complex regulations often prove impractical for the average person navigating everyday life.
What is the significance of monastic life in Buddhism?
Monastic life represents an ideal of spiritual dedication. Monks follow strict vinaya rules, embracing poverty and celibacy, indicative of a deep commitment to achieving enlightenment and liberation from worldly attachments.
How does Gandhi's view of morality intersect with economic activity?
Gandhi believed morality should underpin all actions, including economic activities. He promoted honesty and integrity in business but maintained a clear separation between spiritual values and secular endeavors, reflecting a broader Hindu perspective.
What role does magic play in relation to economic behavior in society?
Magic focuses on practical outcomes and mundane activities, lacking a rational ethic. In societies where magic is prevalent, it can impede the development of a rational economic approach aligned with spiritual practices.
How does the text contrast Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism regarding economics?
While Theravada promotes non-attachment, Mahayana Buddhism encourages integrating secular life with spiritual pursuits. This adaptability in Japan led to unique economic advancements, linking religious concepts with practical work ethics.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Exploring the Intersection of Economic Development and Ultramundaneity”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that often involves worship of deities or adherence to spiritual doctrines. The text discusses how the dichotomy in religion, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, affects views on economic activities and salvation.
2) Ceylon:
Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, is highlighted in the text for its cultural practices, including the Jataka stories that communicate Buddhist values and the significance of the upasaka, a devout villager who observes specific precepts during ceremonies.
3) Salvation:
Salvation refers to the liberation from the cycle of rebirth, a fundamental aspect of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The text examines how both religions perceive secular activities as obstacles to achieving salvation.
4) Withdrawal:
Withdrawal is a key concept in the ascetic practices of Buddhism and Hinduism, where individuals renounce worldly attachments to attain higher spiritual truths. The text illustrates how withdrawal from society is seen as essential for achieving spiritual goals.
5) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
Buddhist refers to the followers of Buddhism who follow the teachings of the Buddha. The text explores the challenges that average Buddhist believers face in balancing religious ideals with everyday life and economics.
6) Worldly:
Worldly refers to the secular realm of existence that is often at odds with spiritual pursuits. The text clearly differentiates between worldly activities and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment in both Buddhism and Hinduism.
7) Pleasure:
Pleasure is often viewed as a hindrance to spiritual attainment in Buddhist and Hindu practices. The text emphasizes that indulgence in pleasure can distract practitioners from their ultimate spiritual goals.
8) Indian:
Indian denotes the cultural context in which both Buddhism and Hinduism developed. The text addresses the complex relationship between these religions and their impact on economic practices in India.
9) Magic:
Magic is referred to as practices that seek mundane or utilitarian ends. In contrast to religious practices, the text highlights how magic tends to oppose rational economic ethics and is often seen as incompatible with true spiritual pursuits.
10) Truth:
Truth is a central tenet in Gandhi's philosophy, where he sought to integrate moral living with economic activities. The text touches upon the importance of truthfulness in business as per Gandhi's teachings.
11) Doctrine:
Doctrine refers to established beliefs within a religious context. The text discusses how various doctrines within Buddhism and Hinduism shape practitioners' views on morality and economic behavior.
12) Merchant:
Merchant signifies individuals engaged in trade, often seen through the lens of ethical practices in business. Gandhi's philosophy regarding truthful dealings in commerce is referenced, highlighting the moral implications of being a merchant.
13) Buddha:
Buddha refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The text narrates the story of the Buddha's renunciation of worldly life and its implications for achieving spiritual enlightenment.
14) Temple:
Temple refers to places of worship that serve as centers for religious and communal activities. The text illustrates how temples are often sites where merchants invoke blessings for success.
15) Renunciation:
Renunciation is the act of rejecting worldly pleasures and attachments. The text depicts renunciation as crucial for attaining liberation or salvation in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
16) Liberation:
Liberation, or moksha/nirvana, describes the ultimate goal of many Eastern religions—freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The text explores how concerns for worldly success can distract from this spiritual aim.
17) Discipline:
Discipline in religious contexts often involves strict adherence to ethical and ascetic practices. The text reveals how both Buddhist and Hindu disciplines are intricately woven into daily life and economic activities.
18) Scripture:
Scripture refers to the sacred texts of Buddhism and Hinduism that provide guidance on moral conduct and spiritual practice. The text highlights how these texts influence believers but are often beyond their direct comprehension.
19) Nirvana (Nir-vana):
Nirvana represents the ultimate state of freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth in Buddhism. The text addresses the path toward nirvana and how secular life is perceived as an obstacle.
20) Prayer:
Prayer is a practice used by believers to invoke divine assistance, yet the text makes clear that such practices do not imbue secular activities with religious significance in Hinduism or Buddhism.
21) Desire:
Desire is viewed as a source of suffering that practitioners must overcome on their path to liberation. The text discusses the notion that desire for wealth or pleasure undermines spiritual pursuits.
22) Lead:
[see source text or glossary: lead]
23) Book:
Book could refer to scripture or texts containing religious narratives, like Jataka stories, which aim to educate the common folk about moral and spiritual values.
24) Market place:
Market place signifies the realm of economic transactions that, as discussed, are regulated by ethical concerns in Judaism and Christianity but are seen differently in contexts like Buddhism.
25) Literature:
Literature encompasses various forms of written works that communicate cultural and moral values. The text refers to literature such as Jataka tales that serve to convey Buddhist teachings.
26) Observance:
Observance involves the practice of following religious precepts; the text points out that lay Buddhists' observance of additional precepts on specific days helps them withdraw briefly from worldly life.
27) Worshipper (Worshiper):
Worshipper indicates a practitioner engaged in acts of devotion. The text highlights how worshippers at temples participate in rituals that seek divine blessings without conflating such activities with their everyday lives.
28) Theravada (Thera-vada):
Theravada refers to one of the major branches of Buddhism, emphasizing monastic life and discipline. The text briefly mentions its impact on secular affairs in various cultures.
29) Enjoyment:
Enjoyment is often viewed critically within religious contexts, as pleasure-seeking can detract from one's spiritual goals, a perspective articulated in the practices of both Buddhism and Hinduism.
30) Hinduism:
Hinduism is highlighted as a religion with doctrines that dictate a strict separation between the secular and spiritual, emphasizing that material pursuits can hinder spiritual liberation.
31) Celibacy:
Celibacy represents a commitment to abstain from sexual relations, valued in both Buddhism and Hinduism, as it is believed to aid in spiritual development and discipline.
32) Child (Children):
Children are mentioned in the context of personal sacrifice for spiritual goals—specifically, the relinquishing of desires related to wealth and familial ties for higher aspirations.
33) Weakness:
[see source text or glossary: weakness]
34) Mahatman (Mahatma, Maha-atman):
Mahatma refers to Gandhi, exemplifying a bridge between moral philosophy and practical life. The text discusses how he navigated the divide between spiritual ideals and economic activities.
35) Deity (Deities):
Deity represents a god or divine figure in religious systems, with the text illustrating how worshippers seek favor from deities for worldly success while maintaining a separation between the sacred and profane.
36) Wealth:
Wealth is portrayed as a potential distraction from spiritual endeavors in the text as both Buddhism and Hinduism view the accumulation of material resources as separate from the path to liberation.
37) Farmer:
Farmer represents a class of individuals engaged in agriculture. The text discusses how farmers, alongside merchants, also interact with spiritual practices when seeking assistance for their economic endeavors.
38) Labour (Labor):
Labour denotes the effort involved in economic pursuits, which, according to the text, is separate from spiritual pursuits in the frameworks of Buddhism and Hindu teachings.
39) Speech:
Speech relates to the ethical guidelines within Buddhism and Hinduism, where the value placed on truthful speech is essential for maintaining moral integrity.
40) Market:
[see source text or glossary: market]
41) Moksha (Moksa):
Moksha refers to liberation in Hinduism, the attainment of which is emphasized through ascetic practices that require withdrawal from earthly attachments.
42) Sutra:
Sutra usually refers to a standard text or scripture. Within Buddhism, the Lotus Sutra is significant, serving as a source of teachings that encourage an ethic of hard work.
43) Karma (Karman):
Karma denotes the law of cause and effect in ethical behavior. The text references how karma influences actions and the societal beliefs surrounding merit and rebirth.
44) China:
China is mentioned in relation to the magical practices that hindered the development of a rational economy, contrasting with the interrelation of religion and commerce found in the West.
45) India:
India serves as the birthplace of Buddhism and Hinduism, where societal norms and religious scripts shape economic behaviors in profound ways.
46) Birth:
Birth is tied to the cycle of rebirth that Buddhists and Hindus aim to escape through spiritual development. The text discusses narratives that illustrate moral values across past lives.
47) Money:
Money stands as a symbol of worldly success, which—as portrayed in the text—presents a temptation for spiritual believers who strive for liberation.
48) Night:
[see source text or glossary: night]
49) Sight:
[see source text or glossary: sight]
50) Human:
Human represents the mortal experience which spirituality seeks to transcend. The text emphasizes that human desires often conflict with higher spiritual aims.
51) Nas (Nash):
[see source text or glossary: Nash]
52) Love:
Love, particularly in the context of attachment and desire, is discussed as a potential barrier to achieving spiritual goals in both Buddhist and Hindu teachings.
53) Moon:
[see source text or glossary: moon]
54) Supernatural power (Supernormal power, Magical power):
[see source text or glossary: supernatural power]
55) Lotus Sutra:
Lotus Sutra refers to a key Buddhist scripture that underlines the value of discipline and the potential for attaining enlightenment within earthly life, marking a divergence from the typical ascetic practices.
56) Communication (Communicating, Communicate, Communicated):
To communicate involves expressing religious teachings through various forms. The text reflects on how communication is crucial for conveying moral values to lay followers, especially through sermons.
57) Determination:
[see source text or glossary: determination]
58) Homelessness:
Homelessness in the text describes the ideal state of the mendicant who renounces worldly life for spiritual pursuits, embodying the principle of detachment seen in Buddhism.
59) Dharmasutra (Dharma-sutra):
Dharma-sutra refers to Hindu texts that prescribe ethical and societal conduct, illustrating how religious regulations intersect with daily life, though often seen as burdensome for the average believer.
60) Vishvanatha (Visvanatha, Vishva-natha):
Vishvanatha signifies a deity worshipped in temples, underscoring the connection of merchants' prayers for success in business with traditional religious practices.
61) Vanaprastha (Vana-prastha):
Vanaprastha refers to the stage of life where one withdraws from worldly duties. The text discusses this stage as part of a broader commitment to spiritual tasks and asceticism.
62) Environment:
Environment encompasses the social and cultural contexts in which religious beliefs operate. The text examines how environmental factors influence the perceptions of secular and sacred activities.
63) Realization (Realisation):
[see source text or glossary: realization]
64) Untouchable:
Untouchable denotes individuals regarded as outside the traditional caste system. The text explores the social consequences of returning to worldly life after pursuing ascetic practices in Hinduism.
65) Meditation:
Meditation is a practiced technique aimed at achieving spiritual focus and liberation. The text emphasizes meditative practices in Buddhism as pathways to overcoming worldly desires.
66) Philosophy:
Philosophy refers to the fundamental beliefs that guide religious practices. The text discusses how the philosophies of Buddhism and Hinduism shape practitioners' understanding of economic and ascetic activities.
67) Unpleasant:
[see source text or glossary: unpleasant]
68) Alcoholism:
Alcoholism is viewed negatively in the context of moral conduct within religions, as highlighted in Gandhi's advocacy for self-restraint in all areas of life, including substances.
69) Technology:
[see source text or glossary: technology]
70) Intoxicant:
Intoxicants, in the context of both Buddhism and Hinduism, are substances that cloud the mind and judgement, which practitioners are urged to avoid to remain focused on spiritual objectives.
71) Confession:
[see source text or glossary: confession]
72) Commitment:
Commitment denotes the dedication required to pursue ascetic ideals, as discussed in the text regarding the norms of monks and ascetics in both Buddhism and Hinduism.
73) Sannyasin (Samnyasin, Samnyasi):
Sannyasin refers to a spiritual seeker who relinquishes worldly attachments to pursue higher truths, as depicted in the text through the ideals of renunciation in Hinduism.
74) Mendicant:
Mendicant signifies a person who relies on alms and the goodwill of others, embodying the teachings of withdrawal from material possessions to achieve spiritual emancipation.
75) Spiritual:
Spiritual encompasses the pursuit of higher truths that transcend the mundane. The text articulates a clear distinction between spiritual endeavors and worldly activities.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 137]