A Dharma class participant asked me about the nature of doing full-time Dharma work. This is my summary… How is it like? Is it like a sanctuary, the workplace and pace? Nope. Dharma work is no vocation to relax – it is for constantly engaging in various ways to actively share the Dharma. Work is never at a standstill – there is always something to do. E.g. Even for the repeat Dharma classes I run, I’m always thinking of more creative and coherent ways to present the ‘same old’ Dharma. And for every Dharma article written, the approach must be refreshing; not rehashing.
It is natural that many imagine Dharma work to be ‘meditatively’ slow and peaceful. But why should this be? Work is work; it is not a retreat. Dharma workers are paid to share the Dharma best they can; not to retreat into the background, doing little for the masses that sponsor their efforts. If one takes up Dharma work to relax, one might be on the way to create tons of negative karma. I cannot imagine any work that is more busy, because there is so much to do, that requires more clear vision and meticulous effort, than Dharma work. Anyone who portrays Dharma work as easy to do is probably not doing enough, or lacking in aspiration.
Sadhu x 3!
I have personally seen Aj Brahma worked at Bodhiyana. He too is very busy. Not the “take it easy, relax, no attachment, go with the flow, virtual retreat” kind of attitude.
Interestingly, sometime the way we share the Dhamma can lead to ppl thinking that the relax attitude is the correct one!
Even for ppl like me who work in the secular world, I am reminded that we are paid a salary to do our work well. If we don’t do that, we are stealing from the company! If we do our work sloppily, we are creating suffering and frustration for others! So, even by doing our (secular) work responsibly, we are practicing the Dhamma!
Yes, and the only things we should do sloppily, if at all, are wrong (unwholesome) things!
😆