Abstract

The ultimate goal of BuddhistBuddhism life is to reach enlightenment and put an end to suffering. From this perspective, the goal of human life can be defined as inner development – that is, ethical and spiritual growth that requires only a minimum level of material consumptionConsumption (food, clothes, shelter, educationEducation, and medicine). The paper argues that Buddhism requires to simplifying and reorienting desiresDesire through meditation, self-reflection, and social dialogue and to developing “right consumptionConsumption” patterns. Right consumptionConsumption can be understood as conscious consumptionConsumption that is (i) wise (it supports the genuine well-beingWell-being of individuals), (ii) non-violent (does not involve hurting other sentient beings), and (iii) compassionate (it helps others to satisfy their needs).