Many might argue that business and Buddhism don't go together. But this week's crisis on Wall Street and subsequent bailout by the American government has many people asking if there is a better way.

"It is clear, therefore, that Buddhist economics must be very different from the economics of modern materialism, since the Buddhist sees the essence of civilisation not in a multiplication of wants but in the purification of human character. Character, at the same time, is formed primarily by a man's work. And work, properly conducted in conditions of human dignity and freedom, blesses those who do it and equally their products."

Here is Fritz Schumacher speaking to a group in 1977. He was asked if "Buddhist Economics" could work in the west.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, the E. F. Schumacher Society received requests from around the world to reprint "Buddhist Economics," Fritz Schumacher's classic essay widely understood as a call for an economics of peace. In the essay, Schumacher imagines a multitude of vibrant, self-sufficient villages which, from their secure sense of community and place, work together in peace and cooperation.

In December of 2001 Mrs. Vreni Schumacher, who holds the copyright to her late husband's works, kindly extended permission to make the essay available electronically.

READ "BUDDHIST ECONOMICS" FROM E.F. SCHUMACHER'S "SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL"...

Yoshimaru Abe was an immigrant who came to Canada from Japan in 1927. He would live the ultimate Japanese-Canadian experience. Facing discrimination during the war and then experiencing hardship while trying to rebuild a life for his family, he was still able to maintain his culture and identity.

Now, a book has been released honouring Yoshimaru Abe. It's called "Shaku of Wondrous Grace: Through the Garden of Yoshimaru Abe" and it introduces us to a man who lived "creatively and simply" while having faith in Buddhism.

"Throughout his life, it was his strong belief in his Buddhist faith, and the grace of his living that enabled Yoshimaru to not only survive, but to flourish as a uniquely accomplished and caring individual." -excerpt from the book, "Shaku of Wondrous Grace"

Book signing by the authors at the Manitoba Japanese Cultural Centre

The book is written by Art Miki, Henry Kojima and Sylvia Jansen. It contains many photos from his life. As well as, many of the sketches that Abe drew and kept.

Sensei Ulrich believes Abe lived his life by the Universal Vow, I refuse to enter Nirvana until all other beings have entered first, before me. In the book, Sensei explains that the irony of this belief is by refusing salvation for oneself alone, one is saved. This is the grace that Abe-san lived in.

In 2006, when Yoshimaru Abe died, he received his Buddhist name from Sensei Ulrich. And now, that name is the title of the book, "Shaku of Wondrous Grace."
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOOK...

No, this doesn't mean we will start having pop-ups and ads blinking all over our site. But we would like to direct you to the BCA (Buddhist Churches of America) Bookshop. It's located in the new Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley, California.

The Online BCA Bookstore is virtual, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's a great online store to purchase books on Jodo Shinshu and other Buddhist merchandise. The prices are in US but there is little difference now between our Loonie and the American dollar. So another good reason to shop.

They will be adding extra features as new items are introduced, so they request you come back regularly.

You can online order from their web site or contact: sales@bcabookstore.com or phone (510) 809-1435, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

By the way, in the bottom left corner of the web site there is an odd reminder for a Buddhist store.....

Are You Ready?
Just 203 days 'til Christmas!