What does the Dali Lama
have to do with work anyways? You may ask that or you may wonder what is the wisdom waiting for you to be uncovered in this book so you can work happily ever after.
The truth is really between the two statements. The Dali
Lama has the wisdom to guide you with more than few tips but don’t expect a
cosmic change. In this book at least.
The book is really a conversation with the Dali Lama where
Howard Cutler, a writer and psychologist handles the questions and answers
sessions. Howard is long time devotee to the Dali and met with him on few
occasions before so don’t expect challenging questions, just a conversation.
Note on the audio version, the conversation is not narrated
by the Dali Lama but by someone who is mimicking the way the Dali speaks. Howard
read however, his part.
I do wish that Howard speak less than he did. He does have
good and fresh ideas but the book is primarily to know more from the Dali
lama’s perspective.
Below are few pointers from the book I find useful and/or
interesting, followed by my ratings summary:
· > Take actions: Action to
change your environment depends on the situation you find yourself in. Action
includes talking to management or even revolting, or simply to quit.
·
> On maintaining calmness in
very difficult and stressful work places: while laughing the Dali Lama responds
to Howard that his question is as asking how can someone in the hell realm
practice patience and tranquility. Having said that, one still needs to work
hard to get peace of mind regardless. Look inside to develop patience. Search
for positives. Reflect on positive aspect of the work.
·
> Life is a mix between
positives and negatives, like a sweet fruit which has a little sourness.
·
One person can change the
workplace environment
·
> Genuine power comes from
inside. To be contempt you must be contempt from inside. Contempt is Not in the
outside world, such as money and material things.
·
> The Buddhist right livehood
concept: as long as there is any clinking you are not free. Money is no
difference. However, if you don’t clink to money, money itself is not bad.
·
> Daily reflection helps,
Dali lama reflects on this Buddhist text daily;
o
As long as space endures,
o
as long as sentient being
remain,
o
until then, may I too
remain
o
and dispel the miseries of
the world.
·
> See challenges as an
opportunity to better yourself. Sometimes Challenges are very important to
evolve.
·
> State of flow (brought up
by Howard) where one is very absorbed in the work he is doing. Dali Lama
believes that this may be possible and can be developed by practice. This is called
in Buddhist terminology: “Meditative Stability”. However, one should have
compassion and tranquility as a goal. This state doesn’t necessarily develop
compassion and true happiness.
·
> How you see your job is
important. For example, to view your work as calling is always more satisfying
rather than just a carrier or necessity.
·
> To have better
self-understanding is to have better grasp of reality. The opposite of reality
is to reflect on qualities that you don’t have. In another word know your true
abilities, without exaggeration or devaluations.
·
> Concept of Buddhist right livehood:
strive to engage in an activity that have no potential to be harmful to others
directly or indirectly.
·
> Employers need to take
responsibilities to provide good environment in the work place.
Rating Summary:
Overall 3/5
Performance 3/5
Story 2/5
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