So you think the Zen company could compete profitably with the non-zen company?
Its not that no one's thought of making a pleasant place to work -- its just the jerks next door are willing to do it unpleasantly and then seem to out-compete the happy folk. If you want to do something about the unhappy coroporat climate, it is best to offer workers the reailzation that they can earn less and still be happy. Then the happy company can compete with the more efficient unhappy one because of lower labor costs. Of course, this is already an ongoing struggle and the focus of entire careers in human resources, retention plans, labor costs, etc. So what still needs to be done is show others that living non-materialistically can still lead to happiness. By example is often a great way to teach. ...and this approach is a lot more helpful than the self-indulgant idea of a bunch of zazen in the morning at work, meeting that start with gongs, robes in the coffee room, mission statements using words like dharma, karma, etc... Its always easier to theorize and plan these things for hypothetical "employees" than to just practice it. I spent a number of years trying to improve the universe at the expense of neglecting my little corner of it. That apporach has some serious drawbacks. Rod Scholl -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Francisco Garcia Scherer Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 12:37 AM To: [email protected] Subject: [Zen] Re: Buddhist Practice in the West > > > How do we > > consider and integrate Buddhist teachings concerning our profound > > relatedness? > > good question - it would be nice to hear more discussion of this. In my opinion, we should study the creation of new corporations that would allow us to integrate work and the zen teachings into our daily life. This way, work and practice could become a single activity. Right now, the main goal of private enterprises is to generate a profit for its shareholders. I think it is a legitimate goal, but I also believe that corporations could become very active agents of change (in a positive way) in our society. I believe that our worldview, and also our attitude toward our family and neighbors, is greatly influenced by our workplace. If you have to work in a chaotic, competitive and agressive company, then you are likely to also become a chaotic, competitive and agressive person, not only at the office, but also at home, at your club or with your friends. On the other hand, if you work in a corporation that values training, interdependence, serenity and vocational calling (that is, a profound identification with the services and products offered by the corporation, as well as with its clients), then you are likely to have this same positive and constructive attitude at home, at your club and with your friends. In othe words, as a layperson, you would be able to live a life that is closer to ideals of serenity and balance that are professed by Zen Buddhism. Regards, Francisco. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers. At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide! http://us.click.yahoo.com/hjtSRD/3MnJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. New or used at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1570622280/ref=ase_actionh eroesc-20/002-4507763-9442460?v=glance&s=books> Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/UwRTUD/UOnJAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: Appreciate Your Life by Taizan Maezumi Roshi. New or used at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1570622280/ref=ase_actionheroesc-20/002-4507763-9442460?v=glance&s=books> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZenForum/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
