buddhist at a work

[sgriff2514]

When I am at work I have the tendency to get very frustrated with whats going on whether it be with co workers, customers, etc. I sometimes have to let go of people too. I dont think its possible for me to maintain my buddhist teachings at work. Any suggestions?

Shaun

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Shaun,

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel.



Right Livelihood is a challenge faced by many of us. Here's a few links to existing discussions on the topic that might give you some useful ideas and insights.

Right Livelihood Dilemma
www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=7739

Selling Cigarettes and Right Livelihood
www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=10030

Working In Entertainment - A Right Livelihood Question
www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7988

Any ideas? - Suitable Livelihood for a Buddhist
www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=9868

Restaurants/Bars as Wrong Livelihood
www.dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=696

Metta,
Retro.

[chownah]

sgriff2514,
I suggest doing some reading about equanimity......this is a Buddhist teaching which seems to apply directly at your situation.
chownah

[David N. Snyder]

When I am at work I have the tendency to get very frustrated with whats going on whether it be with co workers, customers, etc. I sometimes have to let go of people too. I dont think its possible for me to maintain my buddhist teachings at work. Any suggestions?

There is a Zen saying that goes something like, "why be a Buddhist only at the sound of the bell?" (meditation bell/gong).

Sitting meditation is the "practice" and life itself is the "performance".

Of course it is not easy, but the work place provides plenty of challenges to maintain mindfulness, compassion, and Right Speech.

For example, when co-workers are gossiping, do we join them or maintain equanimity or at least indifference?
When customers get mad do we react back with raising our voice and getting even or do we explain things compassionately?
When a co-worker gets promoted do we get angry and jealous or are we happy with their success (mudita) ?

Lots of opportunities to apply the practice, not always easy though.

[manas]

When I am at work I have the tendency to get very frustrated with whats going on whether it be with co workers, customers, etc. I sometimes have to let go of people too. I dont think its possible for me to maintain my buddhist teachings at work. Any suggestions?

Shaun

Hi shaun,
before I became a Buddhist, I was already set in a career (of sorts) in music. So even today, I have to teach and play piano to earn a (modest) living. It can grate a little when I have to play silly, sentimental 'love songs' and other such heedless music. When I do, I try to do the job well, but not allow myself to 'get into' the spirit of the piece (music can be very seductive), while reflecting that 'by doing this, I can help take care of my kids'. Anyway, I just thought to share that yeah, work can indeed be a challenge as a Buddhist. The forest monks have to contend with mosquitoes and scorpions...we have to contend with difficult work situations. Everyone has to contend with something...Sometimes I try to look at it like that!

[Fede]

Music is actually a wonderful medium to get caught up in, and I personally feel you might like to view some pieces differently, if you read the link:

http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/comme ... ent_234679

Shaun, I occasionally wear a wrist mala: it's quite a heavy-beaded one, but very feminine, (so I don't get asked much, what it is.....) and every time I use my hands, it's in evidence. Just a little visual reminder of what it's all about....

[manas]

Music is actually a wonderful medium to get caught up in, and I personally feel you might like to view some pieces differently, if you read the link:

http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/comme ... ent_234679

Hi fede,
regarding Mozart, Beethoven, etc, I agree that such music can be uplifting and even instructive. In fact, I was trained in classical music, and still have much respect for it. I was referring to such songs whose general meaning might be summed up as "I can't bear to live without you, please come back (or I'm surely going to die)"...etc etc, or "I want your love (meaning, 'sexual favours"), and it is songs like this that people often request at weddings or parties etc. lol If only they would request Mozart or Beethoven...

[Justsit]

Sgriff, you might find this of interest.

[sgriff2514]

Thank you so much for all of your advice. Nice having people to help me with this. Thanks again!!

[Jhana4]

Sgriff, you might find this of interest.

That book, "Awake At Work" is $19 at the link above, if you go to amazon you can find it used for a little bit over 1 dollar.

[Ben]

Dear members,

Please note that off-topic posts are routinely removed without notice. Please keep your post focused on addressing the issue as described in the OP.
Thanks for your cooperation,

Ben

[ground]

I sometimes have to let go of people too.

It seems you think you should not let go of people however it is fine to let go of people because it is nothing but letting go of how they appear to one, letting go of the feelings and thoughts that arise when meeting them, hearing them speak, seeing them move and gesticulate etc

I dont think its possible for me to maintain my buddhist teachings at work. Any suggestions?

Just be aware of what is going on.


Kind regards