Overview
Right Livelihood (Sammā-ājīva) is a core component of the Noble Eightfold Path. While monastics have strict rules regarding livelihood, the Buddha also provided clear boundaries for laypeople. A lay follower (upāsaka/upāsikā) must absolutely avoid these five trades, as they intrinsically cause harm to others and generate immense unwholesome kamma.
The List
- Satthavāṇijjā - Business in Weapons: Manufacturing, trading, or selling instruments designed for killing or harming beings.
- Sattavāṇijjā - Business in Human Beings: Engaging in slavery, human trafficking, or the buying and selling of people.
- Maṃsavāṇijjā - Business in Meat: Breeding and raising animals for slaughter, or operating a slaughterhouse.
- Majjavāṇijjā - Business in Intoxicants: Manufacturing or selling alcohol or recreational drugs that cause heedlessness.
- Visavāṇijjā - Business in Poisons: Manufacturing or selling lethal toxins designed to kill beings.
Textual References
- Canonical: Vaṇijjā Sutta (AN 5.177) – The Buddha categorically states that a lay follower should not engage in these five specific trades.