The author argues that the current predominant strategy for alleviating poverty, economic growth and development in and of itself, is not working. Drawing on Buddhist sūtras, the author examines what poverty is and means from a Buddhist viewpoint. He critiques current free-market international trade and mass media practices, arguing that they actually exacerbate poverty. Instead, he recommends approaches that consciously consider the quality of development and focus on the relationships within social and environmental communities. (Ben Deitle 2006-02-09)