Re-Visioning Right Livelihood

Along with the growing popularity of Buddhist teachings and authors like Pema Chodron, the term "right livelihood" is becoming increasingly familiar. But what does it mean?

The term Right Livelihood is actually the 5th precept in Buddhism's "Eightfold Path." Here is one description (from www.thebigview.com/buddhism/):

"Right livelihood means that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. The Buddha mentions four specific activities that harm other beings and that one should avoid for this reason: 1. dealing in weapons, 2. dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), 3. working in meat production and butchery, and 4. selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs. Furthermore any other occupation that would violate the principles of right speech and right action should be avoided."

This definition seems to be more focused on what one should *not* do, rather than on what one *should* do that would be desirable. According to my colleague and fellow Shambhala member C.J. Hayden (quoted from her blog at www.howtobecomeahero.com), the term means:
"Work consciously chosen, performed with full awareness and care, and leading to enlightenment."

This definition certainly comes closer to what I've been looking for in my life. But, in order to find or create such work, I think we need a fuller definition: hence, the creation of this blog.

I have been a trained career counselor and licensed therapist for the past 30 years. I chose these professions both out of the desire to serve others, as well as the desire to learn certain things that I believed would help me grow as a human being.

In the course of my studies, I found two authors who had some profound things to say about vocation. One was psychologist Charlotte Buhler, who studied human lives from birth to death. She found that a well-chosen (meaning, fitting who the person *is*) career provides an ideal vehicle for personal growth. Both she and Erik Erikson--the pioneering developmental psychologist who wrote "Childhood and Society"--found that we can expect a kind of self-imposed "Judgment Day" when we reach the later stages of our life. That is, we will either experience "fulfillment"--knowing that we have somehow managed to do what we were apparently created for--or "failure:" that is, facing an inner recognition that we have *not* realized our life purpose.

Being well into mid-life, at age 58, I find these ideas quite sobering, to say the least! But, on the other hand, they are inspiring as well.

Like C.J. Hayden says, I believe many of us are being called to become "heroes" in our lives--meaning that we are internally driven to serve humanity in courageous ways that call forth our highest human qualities. A hero of mine, Marshall Rosenberg, who created "Nonviolent Communication" (see www.cnvc.org) says that the need for "contribution" is the highest of all human motivations, and perhaps the most distinctly "human" of all our impulses.

Another "hero" of mine, author Steven Covey, says that all human beings need to "learn, love, and leave a legacy." This calls to mind a very powerful process called the "tombstone exercise," where you write what you would like to have written on your tombstone. Interestingly, in astrology the tenth house represents both career and how we will be remembered: our legacy.

In my article "Who Are You?" I include a number of questions I have gathered over the years, which I think can be helpful in pointing us toward right livelihood. Here are the questions:

* What would I do if I knew I could not fail? (really use your imagination!)

* What am I passionate about?

* Imagining the Earth, as though I were on the moon, what calls to me that I would most want to change (about the planet and/or its people)?

* What did I love to do as a child that I did well, enjoyed doing, and was proud of? How am I still like that today, and what kind of work would make best use of those skills and qualities?

* Who are/have been my heroes? How am I like them/how would I like to be more like them?

* What do I dream of doing, but as yet have not done?

* What do I consistently read or talk about?

* What do I find myself complaining about (or is missing)?

* What have I been putting off?

* Imagining I am at the end of my life: what great endeavor have I been a part of, and have contributed to?

* What would I like written on my tombstone: how do I want those I have loved and who love me--as well as others whose lives I've touched--to remember me?

(If you would like a copy of the full article, please write me at rightlivelihoodcoach@gmail.com)

I look forward to hearing from others on this path. I believe we need to support and encourage one another, if we are going to create a better world. Best wishes to you on your journey!