Teachings on Economics are scattered through the scriptures.5 Most of them refer to the Buddha`s teachings of the four requisites: food, clothing, shelter and medicine. For ordained people on the one hand and householders on the other end, the Buddha gave different teachings which refer both to the different spiritual aims which they pursue and to different conditions they live in. The monastic discipline is much stronger than the rules on how to be a good householder. Whereas the monastic discipline exemplifies a life-style which makes a living of the least possible amount of material goods, so that ordained people can devote as much time and energy as possible to study, practice and teaching the Dhamma, the Buddha did not condemn the acquisition and possession of wealth for ordinary people. The possession of wealth is even praised and encouraged in the Pali Canon. But all wealth should be acquired and used in a right way. In the Anguttara Nikaya we find a list of wrongful trades and the pathways to ruin which one should not follow. The five kinds of wrongful trade are: 1. trade in weapons; 2. trade in human beings; 3. trade in flesh; 4. trade in spirits and inebriating substances; and 5. trade in poison. Who is involved in that kinds of trade does not only harm other beings, but also creates bad kamma for his or her further existence. The four pathways that lead to ruin are debauchery, drunkness, gambling and bad company. These pathway to ruin can be contrasted with the four bases of social harmony as described in Digha Nikaya and the Anguttara Nikaya: generosity, kindly speech, service and participation which benefit both social life and individual well-being. In the Samyutta Nikaya we find a ranking of altogether 10 levels of householders with respect to the way they earn their livings. To seek wealth unlawfully, and in so doing providing happiness neither for themselves nor for others, is considered the worst. Those who seek wealth unlawfully, but in so doing providing happiness for themselves and others rank a bit higher, even though they do not perform meritorious deeds. Hoarding of wealth, miserliness and unwillingness to share with others are seen as the most evil uses of wealth. Highest rank those who seek wealth lawfully, and in so doing providing happiness for themselves and others; they share it and perform meritorious deeds. If they are moreover not attached to or infatuated with their wealth, they are heedful of its dangers, and possess thereby the insight that leads to spiritual freedom. The theme in the scriptures is not wealth as such but the way it is gained and used. Harmful actions associated with wealth are seeking wealth in dishonest or unethical ways; hoarding wealth for its own sake; and using wealth in ways that are harmful to oneself and others. Blameworthy qualities are greed for gain, stinginess, attachment to possess and the pure accumulation of wealth without willingness to share it with others. There are no objections to use wealth in a right way which is in accordance with the teachings. Even wealthy people are praiseworthy as long as they seek wealth in rightful ways and use it to create happiness for themselves and others. Acquisition is considered acceptable as long as it is helpful in the practice of the Dhamma.
The Buddha did not only teach about the right use of wealth, he also gave a lot of teachings on the role of the government in managing social and economic affairs. Concerning the ruling of a country, the Buddha gave teachings both for monarchies and for republican states. Regarding the monarchic states we find the Ten Virtues of a King which ranges from charity and morality to forbearance and uprightness as well as the Twelve Duties of an Universal Emperor who has among other things to rule the country by righteousness, to provide ward and protection to his subjects, to distribute wealth to the poor, and to seek advice from sages and always to aspire to greater virtue (Digha Nikaya). The Wheel-Turning emperor should use his absolute power as a tool for generating benefit in the community, and he should not primarely look for his personal happiness. This concept of the benevolent Buddhist monarch has had a profound influence on the political and social development in South-East-Asian countries, because it endowed the Sangha with a considerable amount of political influence as the highest Sangha-members had the right to comment whether the king`s speech and deeds were still in accordance with the Dhamma. For the republican states the Buddha taught some principles and methods for encouraging social harmony and preventing decline. He gave, for instance, the Seven Conditions for Community Welfare which among other things content the request to hold regular and frequent meeting, by which one should meet together in harmony, and to conduct business and duties in harmony as well; furthermore the request to honour and respect the elders and to listen to them, and to hon