The first kind of Dharma worker
thinks that Dharma work ought to be quiet and laid back,
reflecting the serenity of little frequented temples.
The second kind of Dharma worker
thinks that the Dharma is so wonderful that one should do one’s best to share it,
reflecting the Buddha’s tireless travelling to teach it to the masses.
Every Dharma worker is one of the above or in between –
from volunteers to staff… laypeople to monastics.
Which kind of Dharma worker are you?
From Shantideva (A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life):
Whatever joy there is in this world
All comes from desiring others to be happy,
And whatever suffering there is in this world,
All comes from desiring myself to be happy.But what need is there to say much more?
The childish work for their own benefit,
The Buddhas work for the benefit of others.
Just look at the difference between them!
Work is work, is work. How can one be laid-back while working? That doesn’t do justice to the employer at all. If one is a Dharma worker, one is not working for the organisation or the sangha. Nor is one working for the Buddha, but for every sentient beings… animals included.
I can only be what i am and have become and work as such.
Acceptance of myself and others at whatever moment is what can be done. amitabha!
We can become what we are not yet too, if we work at it 😛