
Episode 119 - Right Livelihood
KimChiu
Description
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This episode dives deep into Right Livelihood, one of the Noble Eightfold Path as laid out by the Buddha. The Eightfold Path is a spiritual path that leads us to deeper and deeper levels of peace and happiness. Ultimately, following all eight of the Eightfold Path until our mind is purified of ignorance, attachment, and selfishness, leads us to enlightenment. When we talk about a</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">path,</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">it</span> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">signifies a way that leads us somewhere. For anyone who has ever been given the wrong directions to a destination, we know there are things that lead us in the right direction and also in the wrong direction. When we talk about Right Action, Speech, or Livelihood,</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Right</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">is meant not as a judgement, but pointing to behavior that leads us toward peace and enlightenment. Right Livelihood speaks of how we can acquire wealth and work that still leads us toward inner peace and Buddhahood. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right Livelihood also addresses a deep and pressing question: how do we integrate our spiritual practice with our everyday life? We spend ⅓ of our days at work, and, if we could make our work part of our practice, we would see progress so much more quickly. We would also lessen the stress we often feel at work. Right Livelihood can also increase our sense of curiosity and purpose at work.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First, Buddha explains ways of acquiring wealth that directly lead away from enlightenment and serenity. In the Vanijja Sutta (from the Tripitaka), the Buddha said, "A lay follower should not engage in five types of business. </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">business in weapons, </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style