Work as Dharma Practice

Our guiding principle in life is that, “Life is the field of merit, and work is Dharma practice.” Therefore, when dealing with our work, we must constantly engage in self-reflection, courageously take responsibility, and address problems directly so that afflictive emotions do not arise. If we keep evading problems, they remain unresolved, and our mental afflictions will only increase. Work, in its very nature, is a form of Dharma practice—it reveals how well we can subdue and transform our own minds. In our work, everyone has their respective roles. Beyond diligence and conscientiousness, we should also be willing to endure hardship without resentment and cherish the resources and facilities of our monastic community. All of these attitudes express the meaning of “Dharma practice within work.” Thus, our entire day is encompassed within the sphere of Dharma practice. If we fail to integrate practice into our work and daily life, we will find ourselves increasingly burdened by affliction and preoccupation, becoming no different from ordinary worldly people.

In everything we do, we must engage in interaction and communication, accept feedback and criticism, face reality with openness, and strive to correct our faults. Conflicts in life are inevitable; differences of opinion are expected. Yet, through understanding the principle of dependent origination, our attachments can be weakened or let go. To view things through the lens of dependent origination is to recognize that every circumstance manifests within our primordial awareness. When we understand this awareness, we can naturally let go of clinging toward all phenomena.

Looking ahead, I hope everyone’s self-cultivation, handling of matters, and dealings with others will gradually come into proper alignment. In this way, even amidst confusion and disorder, one can discern order and harmony, allowing work to flow smoothly. Cultivation itself is a method for resolving afflictions; so too are forbearance, tolerance, the realization of emptiness, and the practice of remaining unchanged while adapting to conditions. As monastics, our job is to resolve our own afflictions and to help others resolve theirs. Life is a battlefield that must be faced with practicality and insight. In our daily activities, we should maintain mindfulness as in walking meditation, remaining lucid and aware so that afflictions do not breed within us. In this way, we do not lose sight of our primordial awareness. We refrain from allowing emotions to overpower rationality, and through wisdom we bring stability and composure to all that arises in life—allowing everything to abide in peace and ease.