Together. . .
Many of us have jobs that more often than not seem far removed from the Buddhist practice and mindset we are trying to cultivate.The truth is that work is more closely related our practice of growth, understanding and development than we might realize.
Personal development is a key aspect of Buddhism.
Buddhists try to develop four virtues: loving kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), joy in others’ happiness (mudita), and serenity (upekkha). Those help finding the ‘middle way’ between extremes of indulgence and self-punishment. Siddhartha Gautama (before he became the Buddha – very simplistically, that is why Buddhism is not a religion, as there’s no God involved) caused himself to suffer through hunger in an effort to understand suffering. In contrast, the Middle Way calls for moderation and balance – and this is exactly what we are striving for in the workplace too, right?
Building on the concept of the ‘Middle Way’, Buddhists practice ‘Non-attachment’ – and this is about detachment from ‘thing-ness’ and objectification, or forgetting what you think you know about the topic and approaching it from a fresh point of view of learning with a clean slate instead of already being an expert. Yes, you are right, that’s where we start – beginner’s mindset that is so useful in all aspects of life including work.
What I found working greatly for myself in the workplace, is that to genuinely understand another – be it a team member, peer, partner or client – is to perceive them clearly as they are in the moment. No history, no bias, no projections, just compassion and observation. We should strive to see these qualities in ourself as well.
its one of the main reasons I always refer to that greatest of skills – understanding.
Understanding starts to quietly play a central role in the success of a job, an attitude, and more importantly – success of our own efforts and those we work with. Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.
Peace and Love, Jim
#understanding #thedailybuddha
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