Bulletin # 55: Doing Business as a Buddhist

By | November 10, 2019

from The Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III:

Some people put forward a question about an “Internet-of-Things Wechat Group” that claims it can “lead people to move up to the middle class,” they asked whether Buddhists can take part in such a business to reap benefits.

His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III has openly imparted this Dharma many times: “I do not take part in any business propositions. To do business in a proper and lawful manner is commonly accepted by humanity, and it is one of the proper ways of life. There are no stipulations in Buddhism that forbids Buddhists to do business. But you have to remember, no matter what business you do, it must be established in accordance with government laws pertaining to business operations. You can take part in a business if it is properly and lawfully operated. However, as a Buddhist, there are things that you cannot do, such as killing lives, harming others to benefit yourself, or swindling others. You cannot do any of these things. These are in violation of Buddhist rules and precepts. As a Buddhist, you cannot forget your fundamentals which are: Make compassion your foundation; do not do anything bad; and do all that is good.”

Based upon this, the Office of H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III hereby issues this announcement to all Buddhists: Any business that you do must be in accordance with the law and regulations governing the locality, and you must conform to Buddhist precepts and disciplines. As to the “Internet-of-Things Wechat Group” that you mentioned, we do not know what that is, therefore, we are not in support of anyone’s participation.

November 10, 2019