International Conference on Buddhism in the Age of Consumerism
1-3 December 2008 at The College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpatom

Organized by
The College of Religious Studies, Mahidol University
In Cooperation with Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies

The conference is held to honor H.M. the King who lives and promotes the philosophy of “sufficiency economy”. It is to guide Thai peoples to live in moderation and to help the poor to earn income enough to keep them happy while preventing them from being swept away by the strong current of consumerism.
Consumerism is a prevailing characteristic of contemporary societies the world over. Due to its increasing negative impact on the well-being of humankind and on nature, it is imperative that the consumer impulse be balanced with values other than materialistic ones. This requires a new vision of human flourishing that is not dependent on ever-increasing consumption of natural resources which are now rapidly dwindling away. The new vision will not marginalize the importance of material well-being, but is an attempt to seek a more sustainable and fulfilling way of living in which humanity can flourish in harmony with its inner nature as well as the environment.
The main thrust of Buddhism is to lead humanity on the way to eliminate suffering and to find genuine happiness. More than 2500 years ago the Buddha taught mankind to be aware of its potential for flourishing and showed the path to this fulfillment. Accordingly Buddhism has a contribution to make for those in the consumerist society to realize this new vision.
The conference will bring together people with diverse areas of expertise to collaborate in the pursuit of happiness for the entire human race in ways that fully take into account the realities of economics, politics, education, psychology and spiritual values. Holding the conference in Thailand where the majority of the population is Buddhist may provide a valuable opportunity to look at the challenge of consumerism against the background of Theravada Buddhist teachings and practices. The participants may see how Thai Buddhists manage to cope with the increasing influence of consumerism. The conference will also be useful for Buddhists themselves in their struggle to grapple with this reality while remaining faithful to the teachings. Since this struggle is the experience not only of the Buddhists but also of those of other traditions the conference therefore will be useful for them as well.
The participants of about 200 members consist of monks and academics, both Thai and foreign. For the benefit of Thai audience, lectures will be translated into Thai and thrown onto the screen. Simultaneous translation may also be available.
For a list of the speakers and the schedule, click here.

© 2005 Santa Barbara Institute for Consciousness Studies