Minimalist Buddhism

[Kyonin]

Hi Roland,

I spent about 20 years working in newspapers, journals and written press. I used to cover business and industry news, nothing political or the like. I remember how tiring it all was and I found it specially hard to write about how companies created the need for useless stuff in our minds. And it all kept me busy and awake at nights working and pondering a lot of things.

So, even at a personal and small scale, I know how that feels.

However, your practice is precious. Sometimes practice is work and keeping people informed. And that's fine as long as you sit and keep the dharma in your heart.

Thank you for your sincerity and practice

Gassho,

Kyonin
#SatToday

[Entai]

Opportunities for practice are everywhere... you can't shake them if you try.

Gassho, Entai
#SatToday

[Joyo]

Opportunities for practice are everywhere... you can't shake them if you try.

Gassho, Entai
#SatToday

How true. This is a little off topic, but I start a new job in the New Year. I am going to be working in the hospital, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. I'm very nervous about it. I will be around sick people and see a lot of sadness, I"m sure. But if viewed as an opportunity to practice, suddenly it has a whole new light shed on it, as does every situation, whether a journalist, or anything else.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today (and about to do a "cooking" meditation, another opportunity for practice)

[Jundo]

How true. This is a little off topic, but I start a new job in the New Year. I am going to be working in the hospital, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. I'm very nervous about it. I will be around sick people and see a lot of sadness, I"m sure. But if viewed as an opportunity to practice, suddenly it has a whole new light shed on it, as does every situation, whether a journalist, or anything else.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today (and about to do a "cooking" meditation, another opportunity for practice)

Absolutely! Bodhisattva Work!

And I recall, having volunteered in a medical facility for a few years, how all the staff, cooks and maintenance crew contributed to the positive and supportive atmosphere in the place. Even behind the scenes, so much work to bring comfort to folks in need.

Frankly, better place to Practice Buddhism than just sitting on a Zafu! (Better said, both aspects of Practice needed and good and supportive of each other too).

Gassho, Jundo

[Doshin]

How true. This is a little off topic, but I start a new job in the New Year. I am going to be working in the hospital, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. I'm very nervous about it. I will be around sick people and see a lot of sadness, I"m sure. But if viewed as an opportunity to practice, suddenly it has a whole new light shed on it, as does every situation, whether a journalist, or anything else.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today (and about to do a "cooking" meditation, another opportunity for practice)

You will do well. I have observed your kindness and understanding in this Sangha, you will be a light to those you come in contact with.

Gassho
Randy
sattody

[Joyo]

You will do well. I have observed your kindness and understanding in this Sangha, you will be a light to those you come in contact with.

Gassho
Randy
sattody

Thank you, Randy. That is very kind. Funny, as I have thought the same about you.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today

[Jishin]

How true. This is a little off topic, but I start a new job in the New Year. I am going to be working in the hospital, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. I'm very nervous about it. I will be around sick people and see a lot of sadness, I"m sure. But if viewed as an opportunity to practice, suddenly it has a whole new light shed on it, as does every situation, whether a journalist, or anything else.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today (and about to do a "cooking" meditation, another opportunity for practice)

You will find it delightful.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Joyo]

You will find it delightful.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

Thank you, Jishin. I appreciate that =)

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today

[alan.r]

I'm very nervous about it. I will be around sick people and see a lot of sadness, I"m sure. But if viewed as an opportunity to practice, suddenly it has a whole new light shed on it, as does every situation, whether a journalist, or anything else.

That you're nervous means you care - your attitude about the new job is the attitude I want to bring to all things.

And thanks Jishin and Shingen. I'm pretty intimate with failure (need an emoticon here of a smiley face dropping a cup of coffee and then shrugging).

Gassho,
Alan
sat today

[Byokan]

Dear Joyo,

It takes great courage to deliberately go into a situation where we know we will encounter overt suffering. After all, most people spend a great deal of effort avoiding even the thought of old age, sickness and death. Some would go into a job like this with defenses already in place so as not to let it touch them. You have an open heart and mind that will serve you well. This is what makes all of life, practice. I know you will be a help, comfort, and inspiration to those around you, as you always are here with the Sangha. Good luck and congrats on your new job. Work happy!

Gassho
Lisa
sat today

[Kaishin]

Roland, your practice isn't "very little" - with a sincere heart, that 15 minutes encompasses the whole world. Remember that Dogen said even a moment of zazen is a treasure house.

Remember also we are busy householders, not cave monks!

-satToday

[Jakuden]

The awareness and compassion in this thread is so touching... I really have grown to love all you wonderful people... Joyo, as Randy said earlier, you will bring peace and light wherever you go. Enjoy your new job!

Gassho,
Sierra
SatToday

[Rich]

How true. This is a little off topic, but I start a new job in the New Year. I am going to be working in the hospital, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. I'm very nervous about it. I will be around sick people and see a lot of sadness, I"m sure. But if viewed as an opportunity to practice, suddenly it has a whole new light shed on it, as does every situation, whether a journalist, or anything else.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today (and about to do a "cooking" meditation, another opportunity for practice)

Congratulations on your new bodhisattva work. You will do just fine.

SAT today

[Entai]

Joyo,
I'm sure you'll do great!
Remember that with any job that deals with the suffering of others, it's vital to take care of yourself as well. It's easy to forget that.

Deep bows,
Entai
#SatToday

[Joyo]

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I am really honoured and feel very encouraged about my new job now.

Roland, I am sorry for taking over your thread though.

Gassho,
Joyo
sat today