\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you again: If you think the flowers are beautiful, will the flowers feel good or will you feel good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n
\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you again: If you think the flowers are beautiful, will the flowers feel good or will you feel good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: They are beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you again: If you think the flowers are beautiful, will the flowers feel good or will you feel good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

P<\/strong>: There are flowers in front of me. Are they beautiful or ugly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: They are beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you again: If you think the flowers are beautiful, will the flowers feel good or will you feel good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

Q<\/strong>: Throughout the Diamond Sutra, it seems that the message \u201cTo be liberated, you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings first\u201d is repeated. While listening to your Dharma talk, I feel that I can understand what you say but as soon as it\u2019s over, I seem to return to the thought, \u201cHow can I generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings when I am not happy myself? Shouldn\u2019t I be liberated first?\u201d Please explain this to me once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There are flowers in front of me. Are they beautiful or ugly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: They are beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you again: If you think the flowers are beautiful, will the flowers feel good or will you feel good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Throughout the Diamond Sutra, it seems that the message \u201cTo be liberated, you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings first\u201d is repeated. While listening to your Dharma talk, I feel that I can understand what you say but as soon as it\u2019s over, I seem to return to the thought, \u201cHow can I generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings when I am not happy myself? Shouldn\u2019t I be liberated first?\u201d Please explain this to me once more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There are flowers in front of me. Are they beautiful or ugly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: They are beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you again: If you think the flowers are beautiful, will the flowers feel good or will you feel good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Let me ask you once more: If you think the flowers are ugly, will the flowers feel bad or will you feel bad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: That\u2019s how our mind works. If you hate the flowers, you will feel bad and if you like the flowers, you will feel good. Therefore, to feel good, like the flowers. What is so difficult about it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means: if you want to be happy, love others. If you love others, you will feel happy and not the other way around. If you think, \u201cI love my husband,\u201d will your husband feel happy or will you feel happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You think that if you love your husband, your husband will feel good, don\u2019t you? That\u2019s wrong. If you think, \u201cA cheater like that is worse than a brute,\u201d you will feel bad. If you want to feel bad, you can hate him. But if you want to feel good, love your husband. You asked me, \u201cHow can I be happy?\u201d So, I am telling you: \u201cLove others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let me give you a simple analogy. If you think, \u201cI don\u2019t understand why he acts that way. I really don\u2019t.\u201d Then how will you feel? Frustrated or lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel frustrated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: On the other hand, if you understand him and think, \u201cAha, that is why he acted that way,\u201d then who will feel lighthearted?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll feel lighthearted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: There is nothing difficult about this. It\u2019s just that unenlightened beings do this in reverse and think, \u201cI\u2019ll be happy when others love me.\u201d And thinking that others don\u2019t love them, they suffer. For example, a woman thinks she\u2019s not happy because her husband doesn\u2019t love her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She asks, \u201cLord Buddha, how can I be happy?\u201d But her real question is, \u201cWhat do I need to do for my husband to love me?\u201d But the Buddha\u2019s answer is the opposite of what she expects. Instead of saying, \u201cIf you do this and that, your husband will love you and you will be happy,\u201d the Buddha says, \u2018If you love your husband, you will be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What does it mean to liberate all unenlightened beings? When you love and understand your husband, your child, and your neighbor, you\u2014not they\u2014will be free from suffering. This is the principle and science of how our mind works. When you actually try it, you will see that it works. Why would you need the help of the Buddha or God to love and understand your husband? For you to be happy, you just need to love and understand him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how you want your husband to love you, he doesn\u2019t love you, so you pray to the Buddha or God, \u201cPlease make him love me,\u201d or \u201cPlease make my child get good grades.\u201d You need to pray to a powerful being because you want others to do what you want them to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, to love someone is entirely up to you, so you don\u2019t need to pray to anyone. When you love someone, you feel happy. If you don\u2019t want to be happy, go ahead and hate others. The Buddha doesn\u2019t teach us morality like \u201cLove others,\u201d or \u201cDon\u2019t hate others.\u201d He just teaches, \u201cIf you want to be happy, love others.\u201d If you want to suffer, hate others. He doesn\u2019t talk about ethics like \u201cTo hate is bad\u201d or \u201cTo love is good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You say, \u201cI\u2019m suffering.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tell you, \u201cWhy are you suffering? You are suffering because you hate someone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You ask, \u201cWhat can I do not to suffer?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I say, \u201cDon\u2019t hate that person.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While holding a fireball, you say, \u201cOh, it\u2019s hot.\u201d So, I tell you, \u201cDrop it.\u201d Why would I tell you to drop it if you say, \u201cIt\u2019s nice and toasty.\u201d I am telling you to drop it because you complain that it is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to be happy, you should love, help, and understand others. Then you will have nothing to suffer from. You are suffering now because you are not loved. You suffer because you are not loved even though you want to be loved, and you don\u2019t receive help even though you want to receive help. In short, you suffer because things don\u2019t go the way you want them to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then what can you do to be free from suffering? Should you force others to do what you want them to do? You can\u2019t make that happen, so you pray, \u201cLord Buddha, please help me.\u201d But even the Buddha can\u2019t do this for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To be free from suffering, you just need to let go of your desire to make things go the way you want them to go. Instead of wanting to receive help, generate the mind to help others. Instead of wanting to be loved, love others first. When you understand others instead of wanting to be understood, your suffering will disappear. Isn\u2019t it easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why you do things backwards is because of old habits. For a non-smoker, not smoking is easier than smoking. But for a smoker, smoking is easier. Inherently, not smoking is much easier than smoking, because you don\u2019t need to do anything if you don\u2019t smoke. You don\u2019t need money or effort to buy cigarettes. But if you do smoke, a lot of work is needed. For instance, you need money to buy cigarettes, you need to go out and buy them, you need to take one out and light it, inhale it, remove the ash and clean up. So not smoking is much easier than smoking and it is better for your health. But when you are addicted to smoking, smoking is easier. It is because smoking has become a habit. In other words, you become addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, which is easier, getting angry or not getting angry? Not getting angry is easier. But you get angry because you are addicted to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier, feeling happy or feeling unhappy? Feeling happy is easier. You can be happy if you want to. Because you will be happy when you love and understand others. Becoming happy is entirely up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We suffer because we desire to have our way with the other person. And the desire has become a habit. For we\u2019ve lived like that since we were born. It is the same as a smoker saying, \u201cI can\u2019t live without smoking\u201d when he or she is told to stop smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Buddhadharma is very easy. Actually, you don\u2019t need to do anything special, but we think it is difficult because we are addicted to the three poisons of greed, anger, and ignorance, like those who are addicted to nicotine or opium. The Buddha says compassionately, \u201cSmoking is bad for your health,\u201d but I say,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSmoking is bad in many ways.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you respond, \u201cI still want to smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, I say, \u201cReally? Go ahead and smoke and die before your time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I mean, if you want to smoke, go ahead and smoke. What can I do if you want to smoke? You might think, \u201cHow can a Buddhist monk speak like that?\u201d But what can I do if you want to smoke? Not smoking is good for your health, doesn\u2019t cost you any money, and allows you to keep your room clean, but if you insist on smoking, what can I do about it? If I force you to stop smoking, you will say it is a human rights violation or a privacy violation. So, I respect your human right and tell you, \u201cSmoke as you wish and die.\u201d (Sunim laughs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the Buddhist sutras, including the Diamond Sutra, talk about common sense. It is the same as telling you to stop smoking if you say your throat hurts due to too much smoking, and telling you to eat less if you say you are suffering from indigestion due to too much eating. All the things the sutras say are things like these. But people say that they can\u2019t quit smoking. And the conversation goes like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cQuitting smoking is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEven a little is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut can I smoke just a little?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is still bad for your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conversation drags on. It is the same with the Diamond Sutra, which says all it has to say in Chapter 1, but the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so the explanations stretch to Chapter 32. Do you understand?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: To say that you should generate the mind to liberate all unenlightened beings means you should generate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help. You suffer because you think, \u201cMy husband doesn\u2019t understand me.\u201d This problem will be solved if you understand your husband. Instead of thinking, \u201cWhy doesn\u2019t the flower love me?\u201d you can love the flower. If you think, \u201cWow, the ocean is so beautiful,\u201d you\u2014not the ocean\u2014will feel good. If you think, \u201cWow, the mountain is so wonderful,\u201d you\u2014not the mountain\u2014will feel good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you say, \u201cMy husband is great,\u201d you will feel good. As you are living with a great person, others will respect you, too. However, if you say, \u201cMy husband is worse than an animal,\u201d others will think like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny. As she is living with a man who is worse than an animal, she must be far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. You end up hurting yourself more. Most of us live like that. Honestly, I can speak more frankly but I am afraid all of you might leave if I do that, so I am toning down what I say. Today, you asked me this question so I am telling you honestly. But the Buddha always spoke straightforwardly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If someone asked, \u201cHow can I be free from suffering?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said, \u201cGenerate the mind to help others instead of wanting to receive help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He meant that you should generate the mind to liberate unenlightened beings instead of asking him to liberate you. What does it mean to liberate? It means that you should love, understand, and help the other person. Understand, love, and help your husband or wife or child. Generate such a mind right now. Then there will be nothing to suffer from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But most of you hate the other person and suffer, giving reasons like, \u201cHe doesn\u2019t love me,\u2019 \u2018He doesn\u2019t understand me,\u2019 or \u2018He doesn\u2019t help me.\u2019 In fact, you don\u2019t have to pray to anyone. You just need to change your perspective. The Buddha shows this by silently performing his daily activities in Chapter 1 of the Diamond Sutra. But the audience doesn\u2019t understand, so Subhuti asks a question. The Buddha gives an answer in one sentence. But they don\u2019t understand, so he adds explanations, which becomes the next chapter. They still don\u2019t understand, so the Buddha adds more explanations. And the Diamond Sutra<\/em> draws out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let me ask you again. If you like a flower, will the flower be happy or will you be happy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: I\u2019ll be happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right. If you ask, \u201cLord Buddha, what should I do to be happy?\u201d The Buddha says, \u201cLove the flower.\u201d Is it right or wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Is it difficult or easy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: Do you need to make an effort to do it, or is it true?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: It\u2019s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If you actually put this into practice, you will know. When you think: \u201cWow, this flower is beautiful,\u201d you will feel good. You will experience this principle right away. So, the Buddha says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome and see for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means his teaching is such that anybody can come and see. You just need to open your eyes to see it and there is no secret hidden in his closed fists. You can\u2019t see it only because your eyes are closed. When you open your eyes, you can see it. But when you actually try to open your eyes, you will find that it is not easy. Why? Is it because opening your eyes is difficult? Or because you are addicted just as you are addicted to smoking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Because I am addicted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: You are right, you are addicted so it is difficult. Even if you can\u2019t do it well, you don\u2019t need to blame yourself. You just need to see yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am addicted to smoking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHating has become a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGetting angry has become a habit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of habit, you hate, get angry, or complain that things are difficult without realizing it. You\u2019ve formed these habits and lived accordingly. You need to break such habits. If you know that some food is harmful to your health, you shouldn\u2019t eat it no matter how good it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Break away from the addicted life. Your addiction is not limited to one or two things. Being addicted to all kinds of things, including food, clothing, brand products, perfume, alcohol, smoking, cars, dwellings, people, appearances, and so forth, you live frantically so there is no end to it. Therefore, I\u2019m telling you to let go of your addictions. You can be free from suffering only when you let go of your addictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if I tell you, \u201cCome to your senses,\u201d you say: \u201cSunim doesn\u2019t understand the ways of the world. He says these because he is not married.\u201d Therefore, I just answer your questions and don\u2019t interfere in your life. I talk only when you ask questions. Today, you asked me a question, so I am obliged to give you an answer. And such a foolish question becomes a topic for this Dharma Q&A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there had been only smart people around the Buddha, he wouldn\u2019t have had to give teachings. The Diamond Sutra<\/em> came to exist because people didn\u2019t understand and continued to ask questions. If they had been awakened immediately after watching the Buddha performing his daily activities as shown in Chapter 1, the sutra wouldn\u2019t have existed. Owing to Subhuti\u2019s questions, many people can hear the teachings today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q<\/strong>: Thank you. Now I understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"alt\"\/<\/figure>\n","post_title":"How Can I Generate The Mind To Liberate Unenlightened Beings When I\u2019m Not Happy Myself?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"how-can-i-generate-the-mind-to-liberate-unenlightened-beings-when-im-not-happy-myself","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-03 18:18:54","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-03 23:18:54","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=19738","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13846,"post_author":"40","post_date":"2022-10-18 01:00:00","post_date_gmt":"2022-10-18 06:00:00","post_content":"\n
\n\n\n\n

Q: I work in healthcare and I'm a manager. And sometimes I need to let people go because of their performance. For some people, it's not just about poor performance, but actually that their mistakes put some patients at risk. I try to give them enough chances and help them in any way I can, but for some employees, there's just no option but to let them go.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


Knowing their personal situations, I feel very bad about letting them go and also scared because recently in the US there was a FedEx employee, who after getting laid off, went back to the office and killed people.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n


I just want to ask you how can I do my job and handle laying off employees better?<\/gwmw><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

P<\/strong>: If your role as a manager requires you to fire some people then either you continue working at your job or quit and change jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to continue your job for whatever reasons then you must accept the responsibility that comes with it and be able to deal with it. If your job involves firing employees, obviously there's always a risk of them being angry at you which sometimes might lead to attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some ways it is like voluntarily joining the army. During peacetime it is a good job because you don't have to risk your life, but if there's a war, you have to put your life at risk. Nevertheless, it\u2019s a choice you're making and there's no other way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you make the choice to stay on, there may be small things you can do to lower the risk. For instance, instead of firing somebody with harsh words, try to explain this is your role. Say that you understand the person and that although this is not what you want to do but you have to do it because it's your job. And that you are also an employee at the organization and that you also have to make a living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell them as a person it hurts you to do this, but because you have to fulfill your role you have no choice but to do this and that you are sorry. Then with those words you may decrease your risk a little. Obviously that person will still be fired and still be angry, but it\u2019s better than kicking them out with harsh criticism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while understanding other people\u2019s pain and feeling sorry about it, you should still be able to do your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter what the consequences you face because of your choice you should be able to handle it. It is not a matter of which way is better. It is to realize that with every choice comes responsibility and consequences. And you should be aware of those before you make a choice. It is difficult but if you try to avoid responsibility it becomes a source of suffering. There's always a result based on a cause. If you provided the cause then you should be able to accept the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As long as you are in that position then there is a risk for you to be criticized. And a higher risk for you to be hated. But if you don't like it, change your job, but if there are the reasons to stay on then be prepared to handle the consequences.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Laying Off My Employees Is Stressful","post_excerpt":"Sunim gave a Dharma Q&A session at George Washington University on Oct. 8, 2014","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"laying-off-my-employees-is-stressful","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-10-16 19:44:45","post_modified_gmt":"2022-10-17 00:44:45","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jungtosociety.org\/?p=13846","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_37"};

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