This article is from WeChat official account:Economic Observer Observer (ID: eeoobserver), original title: “Buddhism capitalism – from Gandhara to Dunhuang”, author: Liu Gang, head Figure from: vision China
the religious style of capitalism
Is there “capitalism” in the ancient world? It is a question worth mentioning.
According to the five social forms, “capitalist society” only existed in modern times, but not in ancient times. Even if it does, it still exists as a bud. Only in the late period of feudal society will a bud emerge.
What if we put aside the five social forms? Not necessarily. For example, looking at the state of the country, does the country’s monetary policy and its monetary economy include elements of national capitalism? Also, is the mercantilism manifested in the trade between countries and the pursuit of national interests, whether it belongs to the capitalist national style?
If so, then we can say that human beings have had capitalism since they had a country.
We can also put it into the theory of human nature. The root of capitalism lies in the benefits of human nature. It is the pursuit of human nature to maximize benefits that gave rise to capitalism.
Therefore, since mankind has its own mode of production, liberated man himself from nature, and began to have production exchange and social division of labor, capitalism has emerged. In this regard, capitalism existed in ancient times and in modern times, but each has its own style.
Buddhist capitalism is a religious pattern of capitalism in the ancient world. However, doesn’t Buddhism want to “purify the six roots”, how can it still engage in capitalism?
Purification is aimed at self-cultivation. If you want to save all living beings, you really need to engage in capitalism. The most obvious sign is the greasy color.