Zen at Work
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- Опубліковано 16 тра 2019
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Brad:
One person who is forever grateful you wrote Hardcore Zen. Thank you.
I was a high school teacher when I started my zen practice. Before long I noticed that my students' behaviour had improved a lot. Of course, it was me not taking their BS personally so much and them responding positively to that and so on in a nice little cycle. I also remember a zen friend saying that when he slacked off on his meditation practice, people started acting like jerks again. He had to get back on the cushion to straighten those jerks out. He says it worked. Woo woo or what?
Subjectivty is certainly impressive...
Unrelated, but I wanna tell everyone about my moon staring experience. Last two nights I sat on my balcony and stared at the moon for a long time. It was very meditative and very cool. I didn't intentionally "meditate" but I just got utterly fascinated by the moon and couldnt stop looking. You can see it with your own eyes and it's a humongous rock in the space near this planet. If you have good vision you can see some patterns on its surface and it will make your mind blow again and again as you realize how small you are in a possibly infinite universe, a space filled with planets, stars and moons. It's absolutely amazing. I suggest everyone to try sometime if you can get a comfortable sitting position and have a good vision of the moon.
I want to ride to the ridge where the West commences
Stare at the moon until I lose my senses ...
Dear Brad! I'm tremendously thankful you put all that diligence into making Dogens teachings accessible and I'm thrilled looking forward to meet you in June in Vienna. Having already read Hardcore Zen, Sit down and shut up and now ordered Karma, wrapped....
Meditation definitely helped me through tough working years.
It wasn't "zen" per se. I was also far from a constant bliss and even came twice very near the burnt out zone, but it was the first time of my life I l left a high turnover company with the longest working records. This 33rd job lasted a 100 months.
I started a new job last Friday. Sitting definitely is tremendous in keeping my head on my neck
Work is kind of a mixed bag of issues with me. I'm an "Assistant Manager" at the family store. My wife is a "Head Manager". We're such a small little store that this mostly translates to "I have a set of keys to the door, I know the alarm code, I come in to work in the morning and turn all the lights on and count the money in to the register." I may direct some of the employees to do certain jobs that need doing like vacuuming the carpets, or restocking the displays, or taking out the trash (all things I do myself when I'm not receiving stock in to the Point Of Sale computer/Cash Register at the front counter). I like to play music during the work day. When I see customers humming or singing along quietly with what I play, or even just swinging their shoulders in time with the music, it makes me happy to see them enjoying it. I kinda make a little game of it, counting how many customers are obviously enjoying the tunes. But I have one employee who can't stand most of the music that I and the customers enjoy. They'll ask for the songs to be changed, and it annoys me. They claim that because they are "so musical" that they just can't block out the music they don't like. The type of music they do like has never struck me as the kind that's appropriate for work. The kind they can tolerate and don't seem to complain about (mostly classical) is never the music that I've noticed the customers really enjoy. So it's sort of an impasse. I feel like I'm being unfair if I insist on playing what I want, even if I know the customers will like it, and because this employee doesn't like it it will put them in a grumpy mood that will affect their performance at work. So I've opted for the generic stuff that just drives back the uncomfortable silence of a quiet store. In not wanting to annoy my employee, I end up annoying myself. None of the other employees ever complain about what I play. One newer employee actively enjoys my selections, another says complaining about the music is such a non-issue he never thinks about it. Part of it, I know, is my own ego. "I've been doing this job for 21 years now and I think I know what the customers like to hear when they come in!" That sort of thing. So I know part of it that the complaints seem like a challenge to my minuscule amount of authority. On the other hand, I'm not playing music in the shop for the employees. I'm trying to create an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for the customers to enjoy. So part of my annoyance also stems from one employee preventing me from doing that by complaining that the music annoys them when none of the rest of the staff even care. This employee is a bit of a music snob in my personal opinion, bad mouthing a lot of music I personally like. And if I'm being honest with myself, some days I just wanna play what makes me happy. Maybe I'm kinda depressed and want something happy, cheesy, bouncy. Or I'm stressed or anxious or worried and want to hear something relaxing, soothing, and placid to calm down. Some days, I'm just in a good mood, or I'd discovered a new band I like and I feel like sharing it with the world and I feel that I can't do that if this employee is there because I just know they are going to ask for the music to be changed. And if I insist on playing what I want, then I'm being a jerk, because it's such a non-issue to everyone else. It use to be this employee only occasionally complained about it. Now it's become more and more and gotten to be like a burr under my saddle (as my dad use to say). I find myself not wanting to work with this person if at all possible. Lately, that hasn't been an option due to other employee's leaving to pursue school, or starting a family, or applying for higher paying jobs (which I can't really fault them for). So I've been putting on the same old boring classical music, or the sleepy Celtic/New Age stuff that this employee can "tolerate" rather than what I want to play and what I've noted the customers seem to enjoy. And I miss hearing customers say "Oh wow! I haven't heard this song in YEARS! I love this song!"
Mr.Blackthorn,
Perhaps you can solve this problem by buying this troublesome employee a bus ticket to North Dakota.Working there this “music snob” can listen to the sounds of screaming Diesel engines and the roaring refrain of forty mile an hour winds in thirty below zero temperatures.
If that doesn’t suit him, perhaps he would enjoy the soothing lullaby of working in a maximum security prison. One cellblock, three hundred shouting idiots, each playing different rap music through a single speaker in their cells with the volume on “blown”.
I could make other career suggestions for your unhappy employee if you’d like.
My advice to you would be to fire them.
For my own development and practice I found metta (and other Brahma Viharas) quite pivotal, especially in interpersonal relationships. Looking at Zen, it does not seem to have a more dedicated heart-practice. Is that so (I am not that deeply familiar with Zen)? What is your take on that? Do you feel you got heart-type development from zazen? Have you ever "supplemented" your practice with heart-practice?
Nice video! In summary (for me) I sit because I have to; I know very well how screwed up my life immediately gets if I don't. And there is lots of positive collateral damage, where I am able to be more accepting of someone or less judgemental, and that always helps. In another video you talk about the real superpowers, and that's it. God it's hard to get myself to sit sometimes, but man is it worth it...
Loved that story in SDASU. Most impressive.
Hey man - thx for the vids the past couple weeks -really enjoying, especially “bodhichitta” a few days ago
Anywho, topic suggestion:
You have written at length “Zen Wrapped in Karma” (maybe ?) about your previous marriage, but could u elaborate on Zen & romantic relationships ie: trying to function/meet your needs as an individual (even if the “individual” is a useful fiction) within a partnership, all within the framework of a Buddhist practice.
Also, in your opinion, what if any role (beneficial or otherwise) does counseling/therapy play within a contemporary Zen context?
-As you stated in this vid, zazen has a unique way of shining a light on our current mood state(s), but I’m finding my (habitual) behavioral blind spots to be vast..
Thx for doing what u do
💪🕶👍
An interesting coincidence: I am reading "Zen at Work" by Les Kaye right now. Probably the person who asked about your take on work and Zen already knows about this book. Or if they don't, I think they might find it interesting.
Could you do a video (or something) about Dogen's essay "One Bright Pearl"? I've read out a couple of times and felt like I was closer to understanding it when I found out "bright" could be translated "clear" but Nishijima chose the first translation. Sorry, I guess that's not a very specific question, but any thoughts would be appreciated. Love your work, bought all your books.
translations of poetry or poetic writing, especially those loaded with imagery are only 30% at best, lacking living in the time, place and language you will never read it fully
Yeah, I get this. Definitely hard to know the balance.
But I do know the balance, and the question becomes..How much do I compromise the balance. I guess Buddhism helps me there. I tip the scales towards idiocy because you have to, and zen helps me bend that scale back towards my own self balance?
Zen can turn all the crap in your life into fertilizer. ^^
Its beuutifull that i can back from party. Eat my super and meet you in my hause about 2.16. Wonderfull meeting. Thx
Rest well friend
Mr.Warner,
Zen and work DO NOT mix.
In my experience, when working with other people, a minor “dog eat dog” approach is absolutely essential to ones survival in the workplace. The essence of the problem is that co-workers and management operate on a foundation of the three poisons. Ignorance, greed and anger.
The only thing a “Zen like” approach ever got me was a ticket to abuse and exploitation.Bosses and co-workers quickly learn that it’s much easier to exploit those who don’t complain, who follows instructions, who doesn’t assume “they know how to run things”. Work is low grade warfare. This is why, for many years, I have done jobs requiring minimal supervision and minimal human contact.
Buddha was born a prince, and became a beggar.Both “jobs” require the opposite of “work”.
If a business or worker chooses to “Zen out”, that business or worker will fail.
This is why, in North America “spiritual pursuits” are primarily practiced by upper middle class whites with abundant resources , or those who don’t have to work at all. Or, of course, those who make their living teaching these things.
No offense ment.
Sorry but it doesn't seem like you understand zen . I'm no zen expert neither, but I do know zen in work doesn't mean saying yes to everything and letting people take advantage of you lol . It seems you think zen is like a "principle or rule" you follow at work such as "do your best, dont complain, be chill with everything, do as you're told, etc..." Zen at work (nor anywhere else), is not a fixed rule to follow. Fixed rules are the opposite of zen.
Mr.Onion,
Zen has no fixed rules, but work claims to.
My commentary has more to do with the so -called proper Buddhist interaction with others.
I’ve found through long experience that work rewards compassion with exploitation. Positive attitude with ridicule. Refusal to engage in gossip and complaint with mistrust. And peaceful demeanor with mocking laughter. I know Zen Mr.Onion, I also know people, and work.
One approach to Zen is a harsh one. It is the way that has served me when tolerance, and compassion fails. In previous jobs, I have been “egoless”, friendly, helpful and hard working.
When other decided to take advantage of this, I have “enlightened” them of the consequences. It worked. Idiots who disregard decency, quickly learn to accept fear. Is this Zen Mr.Onion?
Maybe it is because I have worked my entire life in extreme professions, in extreme conditions, for very long hours.
When I say Zen is incompatible with work, perhaps I’m wrong.
I’ve never worked in an office or shop. Just vile, brutal, punishing, dangerous jobs that few people have the balls to do.
One day I went to work and shot someone through the heart. He died. My supervisor said “Well done!”
Not your typical day at the office Mr.Onion.
Perhaps my perspective of
Mr.Improvisor,
Yes I can, and will.
Before I do, I have to go grocery shopping with my wife.
When I return, I will answer you.
Mr.Improvisor,
Back from Wal-Mart and ready to rock.
You mentioned “nonsense” and “delusion”, two of my favorite subjects. Let’s rumble.
Question one: “Can I say what Zen is?”
Answer: Yap.
I can recite the Wikipedia definition of Zen, or I can throw my sake cup against a wall, or I can hum a jaunty tune. My options seem limitless.
I say that Zen is incompatible with work, you say bullshit.
If your definition of “work” is the old standby “chop wood/ carry water” stuff, you would be right.
However, “chopping wood/ carry water” is VERY DIFFERENT than working for the Chop Wood Carry Water Corporation of America. ( CWCW INC. Limited)
Young son, I shall tell you a story.
I once received a memo from my employers.My employers wanted to notify me of a decision I need to make, and an action to take.
The memo stated that my actions were to be“VOLUNTARILY MANDATORY”
?, W.T.F?.
I have always been a very good employee, and this was very confusing to me.( confusing because my employers knew nothing of Zen, but had given me a koan to answer).
As a practitioner of Zen, I was fine with doing whatever, but I needed them to tell me their preference. I asked them what they wanted me to do. They couldn’t tell me. I won’t bother you with the entertaining details, but it caused them great concern and aggravation. I had a “Zen” mind, they did not. I didn’t care either way, but they got angry.
In effect, I think of “Zen” being incompatible with work as seeing Zen as a kind of intelligence. As most people are morons, especially at “work”, I see the two states as incompatible. I could give you many examples, but this may satisfy you. If not, let me know.
I will tell you that I have experienced two instances of Zen at work. I was a Correctional Officer for a very long time. Twice I had to act decisively, without hesitation or thought. These two times involved shooting inmates.
I reacted automatically, in each a pure motion, and struck my target. Much like a Zen archer, but with a Ruger Mini 14. It was very Zen, and I was at work.
So, you might be right.
How bout them apples.
You seem very angry, and I feel bad for you. I doubt I could say something that would help, but I'll make a short try.
It seems like you define a purpose in work, like maybe it's "to be respected", or maybe even "to dominate".
If the worst that could happen is that you still make a living, but people take advantage of you... Well, if you "zenned out" and didn't care about people taking advantage of you, then you would be perfectly happy wouldn't you? Or maybe it wouldn't be sustainable, and you would sink to the "bottom" and be fired. It seems like you're probably in a particularly dog-eat-dog kind of job, and possibly if you sunk to the bottom, and were fired, you could switch professions to a less dog-eat-dog one. I think there probably are jobs for you that would be compatible with something more Zen (if you wanted). :)