Mindfulness in the Marketplace: Compassionate Responses to Consumerism. Allen Badiner (ed.), Berkeley: Parallax Press, 2002. 264 pages. Paperback. ISBN: 1888375248.
The article points out some of the ways in which Buddhism (traditional and western，contemplative and engaged) is relevant to the analysis of our deeply rooted problems. Buddhism is one of our remaining hopes and resources in developing an appropriate response to mindless consumption by confronting it with mindful compassion. What these papers share across different traditions, interpretations, and cultures, is a belief in the power of generosity to make a difference. Buddhism does not simply criticize or provide an oblivious escape from consumerism. Instead it shows individuals and communities how their choices and actions matter in a context dominated by the logic of production and consumption. A number of the papers in this volume，such as his holiness the Dalai Lama's, articulate the need for greater awareness and ethical responsibility. Others show how Buddhism has (e.g.，Joanne Macy's provocative exploration of the Sarvodaya self-empowerment movement in Sri Lanka)，or can (e.g.，Santikaro Bhikkhu's discussion of using the moral codes of the Vinaya as a model for ethical change) potentially reform ecological and economic practices. Whereas some authors propose an approach that emphasizes social-political change，others focus on the work of moral and spiritual self-transformation. Ultimately，this volume shows that both are needed. The responses of traditional and engaged Buddhism can thus complement each other even in their tension. The papers in this volume exhibit the rich texture of Buddhist thought and practice，drawing on its ancient heritage as well as contemporary insights in order to respond to some of humanitys deepest challenges. As such, it makes a valuable contribution to Buddhist ethics, engaged Buddhism，and questions of ecology and economy.
