A Critical Study of The Right Livelihood that Promotes the Commercial Ethics in Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) study the principle of Right Livelihood in Buddhism, 2) investigate the commercial ethics, and 3) explore the principle of Right Livelihood that promotes the commercial ethics in Thailand.

The results revealed that Right Livelihood or Sammā-ājīva is a path of the Noble Eightfold Path that is considered the Middle Way of practicing for happy living. The Buddhist doctrines that support the practice of Right Livelihood are as follows: Sucarita: good conduct, Iddhipāda: path of accomplishment, Sāraṇīyadhamma: virtues for fraternal living, Kalyāṇamitta-dhamma: qualities of a good friend, and Sappurisa-dhamma: qualities of a good man. In addition, one who observes Right Livelihood must abstain from Duccarita: evil conduct, Papañca: proliferation, Agati: wrong course of behavior, Vaṇijjā: trades which should not be plied by a lay disciple, and Apāyamukha: causes of ruin.

The meaning of Right Livelihood, the significance, and the benefit of commercial ethics were clarified in line with the Buddhist Doctrines. At present, Thailand has faced ethical issues, such as professional ethics and commercial ethics. There were many immoral professions, but they were legal. In addition, there were many professions that were ethically and legally wrong, and many of them were against the basic Buddhist principles. Modern trade is dominated by free trade, capitalism, consumerism, and trade in violation of the Five Precepts. If we realize the doctrine of Right Livelihood, it would be valuable to ourselves and society. If we lack ethical awareness in conducting the right means of livelihood, selfishness, exploitation of natural resources, and the reduction of human values will definitely occur. It will result in impacts on the social structure, biodiversity, natural environment, and indigenous wisdom—the cultural roots of ancestors.