Any Ideas? - suitable Livelihood for a Buddhist..

[Nori]

I thought maybe I can get some ideas from others on the forum; and maybe it can be a helpful post to others also..

What do you think would be a suitable livelihood for a Buddhist?

I understand the general guideline of a right livelihood that is not harmful to oneself or others.

Maybe, some can share experiences of occupations they had (or heard about from friends) where they truly (or somewhat) felt happy and fulfilled.

[Nori]

So does this mean nobody is happy with their job?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Nori,

I'm happy with my job. I review I.T. projects, to make sure they're following the appropriate methodologies, and are on track to maximise the likelihood of successful delivery. I prefer reviewing and providing independent assurance than having to bullock through as a project manager. PMs have to make people do things, and deal with messy issues, tight budgets and tight deadlines.

I'm sure there's countless jobs that qualify as Right Livelihood, but being Right Livelihood alone doesn't mean that you'll enjoy them or find them rewarding. Mechanisms like the Birkman Method ( http://www.birkman.com/birkmanMethod/wh ... Method.php ) can be helpful in finding employment that suits your skills, personal needs and disposition. Much of it is about knowing yourself.

Metta,
Retro.

[Jhana4]

Here are some specific businesses which the Buddha took the time to specifically mentioned to stay away from, which is interesting as I feel many things in the Pali Canon are left deliberately vague.

From
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html

1. business in weapons
2. business in human beings
3. business in meat
4. business in intoxicants
5. business in poison

The translation using the word "business" is fascinating as it has many significant ethical connotations. You can't have a "business" without buyers and users. So, are people who eat meat, who buy alcohol, who buy nasty lawn chemicals, etc... endangering their kamma and retarding their spiritual goals as well?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

So, are people who eat meat, buy alcohol, who buy nasty law chemicals, endangering their kamma and retarding their spiritual goals as well?

Those would be questions of Right Action rather than Right Livelihood, in my opinion.

Sutta Quotes on Right Action...
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dham ... -kammanto/

Metta,
Retro.

[Ben]

So, are people who eat meat, who buy alcohol, who buy nasty lawn chemicals, etc... endangering their kamma and retarding their spiritual goals as well?

I have to agree with Retro on this one.

[PeterB]

Could someone explain to me how one " endangers" one kamma ?