Response to a Post: Road With Curves

I just got a comment on a post that really enjoyed writing and hope to expand on through this blog, the comment was great and I seemed to have so much to say I thought I'd post it and make sure the conversation was out there. Original Post


Jack Failey Writes:

Hi Kris,
I was looking through a bunch of books a couple of years back in the local book store when a particular book caught my eye. It was written by Howard Cutler from a series of conversations with His Holiness The Dalai Lama and was called "The Art of Happiness at Work".

The book was very interesting and piqued my curiosity. How The Dalai Lama viewed people, all people, started me thinking every one could learn from these teachings.

I am always surprised how many people blow it off without even giving a second look.

I am trying to be compassionate to all, I do not always succeed, as long as I keep learning, I will be moving in the right direction.

Do you reccomend any particular book on Buddhism over any other?
I have a few but am open to any that will help with my studies.

12:10 PM

My Response:

Hi Jim, thanks for commenting. I think I have that book by Cutler and I recall thinking; "Hey, there's no difference in happiness at work vs. life". Maybe this is what caught my eye and got me thinking about Buddhism and the workplace. Funny it was one of the first books we both encountered that led us to believe everyone could learn from this.

On compassion, we are not always successful, in fact I just had a moment on a freeway where I felt put out that someone wouldn't let me on the freeway. Well, normally I would have a compassionate feeling and think, "Hey, maybe they just didn't see me or maybe they are thinking about their sick Grandfather and on the way to the hospital". Well, I had a less than compassionate moment as I raced ahead and put my fist in the air (if you can believe it was just a fist). I'm less than happy with my response but as a person who is most of the time compassionate and thoughtful, times happen when we are not. The goal is to just keep on keeping on as they say.

We will never stop learning but we do have the benefit of other's before us like the Dali Lama.

Books, books, books, this is a good question.

Here is what I'm reading now and what I have had resonate with me:

Mindfulness in Plain English - Gunaratana
It's Up to You - The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path
When Things Fall Apart - Pema Chodron

Maybe I should list them all but these three have hit me the most and offered much in what I needed.

Namaste and thanks for reading.

Kris

I liked the opportunity to talk about compassion, when it falters and how we keep learning. The books were a good item to post, they have meant much to me.

Namaste,

Kris