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**Dvjkefdw** · 10-25-2011, 08:55 AM

Even as something of a newbie to Buddhism, only having studied for 4 years or so. I have seen its positive inpact on my life as I work to intergrate the Dharma Teachings into my everyday life. often times during the day I will recite the Refuge Prayer, do "Mani's " or take a moment during a break at work to do some basic meditation on the breath. Recently I have been wondering wether to be more open about my Buddhist Beleif system with those around me or to remain private and silent. With the Holiday season fast approaching there tends to be discussion among friends and co workers about how and why people celebrate and at times I am not sure if I am perhaps exposing someone to the Dharma Teachings or simply hearing myself speak in a "coffee table" type of debate.

I also worry about falling into the trap of Proselytizing which is not permitted in Buddhism.

So, I guess my basic question is...

Where you you draw the line between the Dharma and the secular?

Hi Karma Yeshe;

I second what everyone else has said regarding small talk. Low key is best. Don't bring it up on your own, for sure.

'nuff said about that.

I think that the best way to promote Buddhism in the workplace is to be known as someone who's pleasant and helpful to talk to, because they take a genuine interest in their co-workers successes (rejoicing in them) and failures (showing sympathy), and who don't get depressed and morose regarding their own setbacks.

Simply being willing to listen to others' problems and offering to help, when feasible (and when you're pretty sure it won't harm them), without being moralistic or judgmental, goes a long way---clearly much farther than telling a co-worker who just got dumped by their BF/GF about karma or the unsatisfactoriness of relationships and the uncleanliness of sex, or ....emptiness.

What NEVER to do...push Buddhism on someone, especially someone you're really close to.

Case in point:

I once tried to convince someone, whom I was in a relationship with, that Buddhism was just awesome and they should definitely try it. They ended up studying witchcraft. Perhaps I should have talked up witchcraft...

10-25-2011, 08:55 AM	#10
Dvjkefdw Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 521 Senior Member	Even as something of a newbie to Buddhism, only having studied for 4 years or so. I have seen its positive inpact on my life as I work to intergrate the Dharma Teachings into my everyday life. often times during the day I will recite the Refuge Prayer, do "Mani's " or take a moment during a break at work to do some basic meditation on the breath. Recently I have been wondering wether to be more open about my Buddhist Beleif system with those around me or to remain private and silent. With the Holiday season fast approaching there tends to be discussion among friends and co workers about how and why people celebrate and at times I am not sure if I am perhaps exposing someone to the Dharma Teachings or simply hearing myself speak in a "coffee table" type of debate. I also worry about falling into the trap of Proselytizing which is not permitted in Buddhism. So, I guess my basic question is... Where you you draw the line between the Dharma and the secular? Hi Karma Yeshe; I second what everyone else has said regarding small talk. Low key is best. Don't bring it up on your own, for sure. 'nuff said about that. I think that the best way to promote Buddhism in the workplace is to be known as someone who's pleasant and helpful to talk to, because they take a genuine interest in their co-workers successes (rejoicing in them) and failures (showing sympathy), and who don't get depressed and morose regarding their own setbacks. Simply being willing to listen to others' problems and offering to help, when feasible (and when you're pretty sure it won't harm them), without being moralistic or judgmental, goes a long way---clearly much farther than telling a co-worker who just got dumped by their BF/GF about karma or the unsatisfactoriness of relationships and the uncleanliness of sex, or ....emptiness. What NEVER to do...push Buddhism on someone, especially someone you're really close to. Case in point: I once tried to convince someone, whom I was in a relationship with, that Buddhism was just awesome and they should definitely try it. They ended up studying witchcraft. Perhaps I should have talked up witchcraft...
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