Buddha refused to answer any theoretical questions. Among the 15 subjects about which the Buddha would not speak, 8 concerned the nature of the universe; 2 concerned the nature of life; 4 the nature of a Tatagata (Buddhas such as himself); whether a Tatagata exists after death; whether a Tatagata does not exist after death; whether a Tatagat both exists and does not exist after death; whether a Tagata neither exists or does not exist after death; whether he had a numinous personality. Many people thought Buddha was an angel. He would only say, “I am awake”.
He did, however, talk about livelihood. Spoke a lot about it. He was a practical man, who looked beyond his community of monks, saw and appreciated lay people’s sincerity and upright commitment to their livelihood. He saw their livelihoods as fertile grounds for awakening, as well as arenas for lying, gossip and stinginess. He emphasized Upright Livelihood, including his own. It is noteworthy that there are not Precepts entitled Right Begging and Right Mountain Cave Dwelling. Buddhism was (and still is in some parts of Asia) embraced by the mercantile class. It was practical, inclusive and made for a peaceful atmosphere in which merchants could sell and trade. And so, Buddha’s teachings traveled through the centers of commerce of the Silk Road
One’s occupation, workplace, is a locus for patience, generosity, discipline, not elevating oneself above others, defaming another or lying. One’s Right Profession, whatever it might be, is a major opportunity for compassion.
//////
Gregory Abels is a Zen Master who taught at Still Mind Zendo in Manhattan. His books of poetry are: Where to Begin (Lightwood Press), Glimpses & Pointings and Never Something Else (Seven Meadows Press). He enjoyed a 50+ year career as an actor, director and Master Teacher of Acting. Gregory holds a B.S. in Theatre and Religion from SUNY. He lives with his wife in Greenwich Village and on a sheep farm in the Hudson Valley.
Gregory Abels is a frequent contributor to Lightwood. His poems and articles can be read here. Scroll to our Search Button and insert his name.
Lightwood 