[geraint.faughn]

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?

[otheloComRole]

hi KY

i suppose if the situation where you mention your interest Buddhism arises naturally, then just be natural

for example, if someone asks you: "Do you celebrate Xmas, are you are Christian?" and you answer "No" and then they reply: "Do you follow any religion?"

then, if you feel the situation is OK, it is only natural to reply: "I have an interest in Buddhism" or something like that

but generally, in my experience, situations for discussing one's personal religion do not readily arise in the workplace, at least in Australia

kind regards

element

[bahrains27]

hi KY

i suppose if the situation where you mention your interest Buddhism arises naturally, then just be natural

for example, if someone asks you: "Do you celebrate Xmas, are you are Christian?" and you answer "No" and then they reply: "Do you follow any religion?"

then, if you feel the situation is OK, it is only natural to reply: "I have an interest in Buddhism" or something like that

but generally, in my experience, situations for discussing one's personal religion do not readily arise in the workplace, at least in Australia

kind regards

element

Thanks for the Feedback !

I think conversations about religon etc tend to be a bit more commen in my type of workplace than in others. I work at a day care program for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease and other types of Dementia so that people can remain in their homes with family and not be put into a nurseing home.

We do alot of discussion and celebration around the holiday season for the participants so we as staff tend to talk about it more than in other workplaces due to this.

All the Best.

[Caunnysup]

Hi Karma,

My experience has been that the basic rules of social interaction apply -- that is, if folks are interested and ask questions, I'm glad to share; if they're not, I don't try to impose. Just common sense really. No need to hide anything. Buddhism is said to be one of the fastest-growing religions in the West, so it's likely that you'll find people who want to hear more about it.

[Keendwainge]

We do alot of discussion and celebration around the holiday season for the participants so we as staff tend to talk about it more than in other workplaces due to this.

that's great

i would then suggest to try to keep it 'wholesome', i.e., about metta, compassion, generosity, non-harming, calm abiding meditation, etc

no need to bring up 'emptiness' unless it is a more mundane explanation, such as 'interbeing/interconnectedness'

best wishes

[topcasinobonua]

Hi, Karma Yeshe. I don't really draw a line between dhamma and daily life, but I do keep my Buddhism-related ideas to myself unless asked. I do this not out of a lack of concern for others' welfare, but because I know how much I appreciate others who refrain from evangelizing to me. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and all that.

[km2000]

Hi Karma Yeshe

At first I was very keen to share and wanted to tell everyone about my discovery of Buddhism. However I soon discovered that even some of my friends were less than enthusiastic - and so it was better to just quietly try to understand and practice the teachings instead, without always finding opportunities to babble about them !

These days I do respond briefly without going into too much detail if I'm asked direct questions though, - because like FBM, I prefer it if others dont try evangelising to me and so I'm careful not to do the same myself.

[GSgCGxsF]

Thanks for the Feedback !

I think conversations about religon etc tend to be a bit more commen in my type of workplace than in others. I work at a day care program for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease and other types of Dementia so that people can remain in their homes with family and not be put into a nurseing home.

We do alot of discussion and celebration around the holiday season for the participants so we as staff tend to talk about it more than in other workplaces due to this.

All the Best.

I work in the mental health field too ( community mental health nurse practitioner ) and have some clients who have behavioural problems related to dementia ( I have done research in this area also ).
I also have found that the nature of this kind of work leads and lends itself to getting into conversations about beliefs and religion, as families and people who develop the condition ask " why??? " a lot more than other areas of mental health and nursing, even hospice, that I have worked in.

[Hdzcxqoi]

Just sharing .In my current understanding of Buddhism 9.30pm 24/10/11 Malaysia time .Buddhism is a search to understand my awareness by being awake . Therefore is not a part of me but is my purpose of " mylife" .
As I am of same and equal with all the living or non-living therefore I should not distinguished "myself" in a different group than others and known it as ' Buddhist" ..infact " Buddhish' should be existed .
I am of current understanding that Buddhism can not be taught to others as no one could be so sure of understanding ownself better than others understanding themselves ,as awareness cant be measured or compared .
Buddhism is always about " ownself" not connected to others , not associated to any traditions , beliefs , culture or lifestyles .
So at all time I share my atmost sincere "self" to others with respect with no intention of " teaching" but always ready to learn purity from others and advance to greater awareness .

Thks
CSEe

[Dvjkefdw]

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...

[iNYZgxNC]

I work in the mental health field too ( community mental health nurse practitioner ) and have some clients who have behavioural problems related to dementia ( I have done research in this area also ).
I also have found that the nature of this kind of work leads and lends itself to getting into conversations about beliefs and religion, as families and people who develop the condition ask " why??? " a lot more than other areas of mental health and nursing, even hospice, that I have worked in.

Hi Andy;

How do you relate to those people who seek deeper meaning? Do you stick to your research results and present "just the facts" or do you try to facilitate some kind of dialog, which might help the concerned parties gain some measure of solace. Having gone through something similar with both parents I know what it feels like to deal with people one loves, whom one once depended on completely for sustenance, who's capacity for interacting in even the most basic ways has been so severely degraded. I'm not sure what you can tell someone like that except maybe...."they know that you love and care about them; they appreciate and enjoy your visits; your presence is of great comfort to ____, I can assure you".

[Wachearex]

Thank you everyone for your Responses !

I tend to agree that low key is the best way to go.

All the best.

[RildFiemodo]

...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...

hi T

buddhism has far more to offer on relationships than what you mentioned above

for example, the Samajivina Sutta, the Sigalovada Sutta, etc

i am always talking about "Buddhism" in the workplace but, given i speak in the language of natural truth, no one knows i am talking about Buddhism

for example, (if there is an appropriate time) we can tell a co-worker who just got dumped by their BF/GF about how lasting relationships come from sharing mutual goals & qualities

this, the Buddha taught. this, many psychology books also teach

the Buddhism that is 'natural truth', i.e., natural laws of cause & effect, is very easy to talk about, incognito

kind regards

element

[9TWSg835]

Hi Andy;

How do you relate to those people who seek deeper meaning? Do you stick to your research results and present "just the facts" or do you try to facilitate some kind of dialog, which might help the concerned parties gain some measure of solace. Having gone through something similar with both parents I know what it feels like to deal with people one loves, whom one once depended on completely for sustenance, who's capacity for interacting in even the most basic ways has been so severely degraded. I'm not sure what you can tell someone like that except maybe...."they know that you love and care about them; they appreciate and enjoy your visits; your presence is of great comfort to ____, I can assure you".

I allow any comfort that I might offer to stem from the belief system that the person in front of me has. To take that away from somebody exspecialy in a moment of pain would just add to the suffering that is already present. Being mindful and supportive in the moment and settleing my own mind is often the best option.

[OrefZorremn]

[...]to stem from the belief system that the person in front of me has. To take that away from somebody especially in a moment of pain would just add to the suffering that is already present. Being mindful and supportive in the moment and settling my own mind is often the best option.

Karma Yeshe... this statement has made me reflect about...

To listen in this way can heal a lot of suffering...

Thanks,

[GlarlraTpople]

I allow any comfort that I might offer to stem from the belief system that the person in front of me has. To take that away from somebody exspecialy in a moment of pain would just add to the suffering that is already present. Being mindful and supportive in the moment and settleing my own mind is often the best option.

Wonderful answer!

[illetrygrargo]

hi T

buddhism has far more to offer on relationships than what you mentioned above

for example, the Samajivina Sutta, the Sigalovada Sutta, etc

i am always talking about "Buddhism" in the workplace but, given i speak in the language of natural truth, no one knows i am talking about Buddhism

for example, (if there is an appropriate time) we can tell a co-worker who just got dumped by their BF/GF about how lasting relationships come from sharing mutual goals & qualities

this, the Buddha taught. this, many psychology books also teach

the Buddhism that is 'natural truth', i.e., natural laws of cause & effect, is very easy to talk about, incognito

kind regards

element

Actually, I don't think that it's a good idea to tell someone who just got dumped any of these things.
They're simply experiencing a lot of pain in that moment and don't want to be told how thinks might
have been different.

Maybe work it in when they are having issues and before they're dumped.

But, of course, you're totally right, generally. Thanks for the Suttas; I will read both

tj

[Anykeylo]

A friend that is having some hard time is coming to home to share her troubles. I am trying to practice mindful listening. Not judging. Not commenting until the advice is asked.

The temptation is big when we think we know the solution or when, indeed, it is known. Until then I have noticed that when we are, or somebody else is, under mental pain, to "throw out" that mental pain will lead, after a while, to a space of reflective analysis and contemplation of what has been thrown.

Also with the "thown pain" there are some glimpses or gaps of what was wholesome and unwholesome and from this the counseling from the Dhamma can be slowly given, trying not to change or shift the momentum toward whom is listening.

[chuecaloversvvp]

I allow any comfort that I might offer to stem from the belief system that the person in front of me has. To take that away from somebody exspecialy in a moment of pain would just add to the suffering that is already present. Being mindful and supportive in the moment and settleing my own mind is often the best option.

Yes, I agree. I haven't yet discussed any of my research with client's and family.
Most of the families I see are Christian, generally not attending a Church regularly or anything like that and as I know belief systems rarely offer much understanding about the big issues - other than Buddhism, I have found, which ( of course ) encourages us not to form a rigid belief system for the very reason that it isn't helpful.