Sarvodaya - Eine Autochthone Form "Innerweltlicher Askese" in Südasien

Abstract The analysis of the social philosophy and ethic of the Sarvodaya Movement in India and Sri Lanka shows a peculiar form of 'innerworldly asceticism'. Based on Hindu/Buddhist cosmologies, it is not individualistic but altruistic and puts the main emphasis on distribution and not production or private acquisition. Starting from totally different value premises than the Western crisis-management approach, it aims to keep things going and does not need growth any further than is necessary for the Welfare and Awakening of All (Sarvodaya). South Asia's westernized elites and their academic advisers, however, have so far been unable to link Gandhi with Max Weber. Weber' s analysis of Hinduism/Buddhism could be the starting point for a new self-definition: did Weber not shown that (only?) a socio-cultural configuration based on Hinduism/Buddhism might be able to withstand the destructive forces that lead us into the 'iron cage' ?