Right livelihood - Eightfold Path by Ven. Ajarn Ofer Dhammatalk 31 Aug 2025 for Dhammacari Center скачать в хорошем качестве

Right livelihood - Eightfold Path by Ven. Ajarn Ofer Dhammatalk 31 Aug 2025 for Dhammacari Center

Right livelihood (samyag-ājīva / sammā-ājīva) precept is mentioned in many early Buddhist texts, such as the Mahācattārīsaka Sutta in Majjhima Nikaya as follows:[29] And what is right livelihood? Right livelihood, I tell you, is of two sorts: There is right livelihood with effluents, siding with merit, resulting in acquisitions; there is right livelihood that is noble, without effluents, transcendent, a factor of the path. And what is the right livelihood with effluents, siding with merit, resulting in acquisitions? There is the case where a disciple of the noble ones abandons wrong livelihood and maintains his life with right livelihood. This is the right livelihood with effluents, siding with merit, resulting in acquisitions. And what is the right livelihood that is noble, without effluents, transcendent, a factor of the path? The abstaining, desisting, abstinence, avoidance of wrong livelihood in one developing the noble path whose mind is noble, whose mind is without effluents, who is fully possessed of the noble path. (...) The early canonical texts state right livelihood as avoiding and abstaining from wrong livelihood. This virtue is further explained in Buddhist texts, states Vetter, as "living from begging, but not accepting everything and not possessing more than is strictly necessary".[79] For lay Buddhists, this precept requires that the livelihood avoid causing suffering to sentient beings by cheating them, or harming or killing them in any way.[46] The Anguttara Nikaya III.208 asserts that the right livelihood does not trade in weapons, living beings, meat, alcoholic drink or poison.[46][84] The same text, in section V.177, asserts that this applies to lay Buddhists.[85] This has meant, states Harvey, that raising and trading cattle livestock for slaughter is a breach of "right livelihood" precept in the Buddhist tradition, and Buddhist countries lack the mass slaughter houses found in Western countries.[86] ______________________________ In Buddhism, Right Livelihood is the practice of earning a living in a way that avoids causing harm to others and ideally promotes well-being and compassion, aligning with the Noble Eightfold Path. It traditionally involves refraining from professions that deal in weapons, living beings (slavery/meat), intoxicants, or poisons. Beyond avoiding harmful trades, the principle extends to performing work with integrity, skill, and a mindful intention to benefit others and minimize suffering in the world. Key Aspects of Right Livelihood Non-Harm: The core principle is to cause minimal harm to oneself, others, the environment, and all living beings. Ethical Professions: The Buddha identified specific trades to avoid, including: Dealing in weapons Trading in living beings, such as the slave or human trafficking trade The meat trade, including butchery Business in intoxicants like alcohol or drugs Business in poisons Some traditions also extend this to professions involving deceptive or harmful activities, like telling fortunes or being an actor in a way that causes heedlessness in others. Intentionality: The intention behind one's work is crucial; even if a job doesn't directly cause harm, the effort to minimize suffering and maximize compassion is a key component of right livelihood. Work as a Practice: Right livelihood frames work as an integral part of spiritual practice, allowing one to express joy, compassion, and presence in their daily life. Mindful Application: It encourages bringing presence and awareness to one's job, focusing on excellence, quality, and the positive impact of one's efforts to enhance people's lives. Applying Right Livelihood Today Evaluate Your Work: Reflect on whether your profession aligns with these principles of non-harm and compassion. Seek Opportunities: Look for ways to integrate the principles of right livelihood into your current work or find new opportunities that are more in line with your values. Focus on Intent: If changing jobs is not immediately possible, cultivate the intention to work mindfully and skillfully, recognizing the potential positive purpose in even seemingly mundane tasks. Support the Community: Support organizations and practices that promote ethical commerce and well-being.