SKILLFUL LIVELIHOOD ―Generosity, kind words, doing a good turn for others, and treating all people alike: these bonds of sympathy are to the world what the linchpin is to the chariot wheel.‖ - Jataka 20 The Buddha also recognized that how we earn our living has a significant impact on our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to reflect on one‟s work in the world and whether it is skillful, beneficial, and promotes the well-being of others or whether it causes harm, discord, or confusion. Occupations that harm oneself, others, animals, or the environment or that are fraudulent, coercive, deceitful, unbeneficial to others, or that foster greed, hatred, or delusion are considered unskillful. Occupations that do not cause harm to ourselves or others and that are helpful are considered skillful. In addition, the Buddha described 5 specific forms of unskillful livelihood that should be avoided: dealing in weapons, living beings, meat production, producing or selling poisons and intoxicants. Some examples of jobs that may cause unintentional harm include: selling products by false claims, charging more than a fair profit in exchange for goods or services, exploiting clients who are desperate or in distress, gambling, and coercive or pressured sales measures. Frequently meditators experience a deepening connection with and satisfaction from their jobs as their meditation practice matures. Others find that their jobs no longer align with their deeper intentions for living and go on to find other means of support.
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