The Art of Zen Living

For a Buddhist, one of the things we have to consider is the concept of “right livelihood”.  It’s part of the eight fold path.  I think it applies to most people, not just Buddhists.  How many times have you heard someone say “How do they sleep at night?”?  At least a few.  That’s really what “right livelihood” is all about - making sure that you choose a way to make a living that lets you sleep at night.  Well, as a start, anyway.  What you really want is a way to earn a living that both lets you live comfortably, and also allows you to reduce the suffering in the world.  Or, if you prefer the “glass half full” version, then you want a way to earn a living that both lets you live comfortably and also allows you to increase the happiness in the world.  I don’t think many westerners make the connection that reduce suffering means the same as increase happiness.

Now I’ve gone and wandered off topic - what I really want to know is are you a bee, or are you a mosquito?

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