Simple lifestyle via responsible consumption : a study based on the Khandhakas of Theravāda Vinaya

Abstract

Abstract of thesis entitled Simple Lifestyle via Responsible Consumption: A Study based on the Khandhakas of Theravāda Vinaya Submitted by Li Wai Sum for the degree of Master of Philosophy at The University of Hong Kong in December 2020 This study intends to examine the concept of a simple lifestyle via responsible consumption, based on selected Khandhakas of the Vinaya-piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The modern trends of industrialization and globalization have resulted in an enormous consumption of natural resources, subsequently creating a series of environmental and ethical complications. This has led to various academic debates in Humanities and Social Sciences, responding to the public demand for a simple lifestyle that strongly considers responsible consumption and also protecting the environment. In the field of Buddhist Studies, this debate has been opened up, particularly in the sub- disciplines of Applied Buddhism and Engaged Buddhism. However, contributing to these discussions, scholars of Buddhist Studies have mostly used textual proof from the Sutta-piṭaka, while neglecting the practical application through actual monastic practices denoted in the Vinaya-piṭaka. The reason for this could be that the Vinaya has generally been considered to contain laws enforced only for monastic and ecclesiastical circles. This study, however, examines the Khandhakas, to prove that the contents of these texts have significant relevance to modern applications that could contribute not only to the monastic and ecclesiastical circles but also to the general public promoting a simple lifestyle via responsible consumption that the world is in need today. Moreover, by taking a critical approach to studying the Khandhakas utilizing modern social theories, this study expects to explore the Buddha’s guidance to monastic community with reference to his identification of basic human requisites to be food, lodgings, and clothing. Hence, this study intends to present not only a Buddhist perspective on a simple lifestyle via responsible consumption but also investigate the hitherto unexplored Vinaya through modern social theories. Keywords: Khandhakas, Vinaya-piṭaka, Mahāvagga, Cullavagga, Applied Buddhism, Engaged Buddhism, Basic Requisites, Buddhist Monastics, Simple Lifestyle, Responsible Consumption, Capitalism, Consumerism, Materialism, Frugality, Non-harming, Contentment, Simplification of Desires