The Study of Buddhist Methods of Income Management according tothe Principles of Yonisomanasikara

Abstract

The study of Buddhist methods of income management according to the principles of Yonisomanasikara will use the principles of Ten Ways of Thinking that Venerable Brahmakunaporn (P.A. Payutto) has classified and enumerated to combine with other principles in Buddhism and other concepts from some books  in order to use as a guideline for managing income and relieving the debt of Thai Buddhists and their families.  This article was written with attitude “Wise Buddhists can use the principles of Yonisomanasikara to help resolve and relieve the suffering”.

Among the ten principles of thinking, this article recommends setting thinking according to the Four Noble Truths as the main principle and mixing it with other types of thinking and other principles.  Such Buddhist methods can be summarized into four major points and four minor points as follows: 1.  Consider the problem of income and debt, looking into the suffering of current income and debt.  2. Consider the causes and factors of debt by using the principles of Yonisomansikara, considering the principles of causes and factors.   This is because  our income is less than our expenses.  3.  Consider sufficiency, wealth, and no debt. The fact that we have no debt is indeed a great fortune.  And many Thai people have no debt and can live on their sufficiency in spite of being rich. So, all problems can be resolved. .  4. The way to live a self-sufficient life and be debt-free, sub-divided into 4 clauses: 4.1 Reduce unnecessary expenses, helping earn more than spending.  4.2.  Prevent  from unnecessary expenses by thinking of  the moral stimulating and Five Precept observing.  4.3.  Find ways to earn more income  with the principle “Income must be greater than expenses”.  This is the key to manage income to be able to live a self-sufficient life and be debt-free.  4.4. Keep the existing income to remain.  This point will use Yonisomansikara to stop or minimize the loss of income that we have.