The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen Summary

Chapters Sixteen and Seventeen Summary and Analysis

Finding a way to earn a living that does not conflict with love and compassion can either bring joy or suffering. This means not "dealing in arms, in the slave trade, the meat trade, the sale of alcohol, drugs or poisons; or making prophecies or telling fortunes." We must try to be minimally harmful to others and the environment. Composing or performing art can be right livelihood. Right livelihood is collective—the butcher no more at fault than the meat eater. More than just how we earn a paycheck, right livelihood is involved in everything we do. We must try to work in a profession that does not create more harm, such as arms or weapons, but supports our compassion. Letting the telephone be a reminder of mindfulness, and living each part of our day in mindfulness is practicing right livelihood. Practicing wrong-livelihood...
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