Through work we can learn to use our energy wisely so that all of our actions are fruitful and rich.
Skillful Means
Skillful Means
Working with the Tibetan Book Project is more than just an opportunity to participate in a worthwhile project. It is also a chance to learn how to get the most out of any work that you do. Our way of working is based on a book by Head Lama Tarthang Tulku called Skillful Means, a collection of teachings and practices to guide students and volunteers toward a work experience that was meaningful and satisfying.
What is Skillful Means?
Skillful Means is an integrated approach to life and work. Rather than viewing work as something we do simply to earn money or as an obligation, we can change our perspective by understanding that our work is not separate from the other aspects of our life. In fact, work becomes a bridge to self-awareness and development, allowing us to transcend our limitations and transform our lives.
Skillful Means is a practical guide for turning our work into “work practice,” or, in other words, using work as an opportunity to train our minds and gain deeper insights. In the work practice model, the work environment becomes a laboratory where the individual experiments with her own experience. In this laboratory, we can observe our body, speech, and mind, feel our breath, and watch how our habits, patterns, and actions affect our work, ourselves, and others. As we develop awareness we can recognize every person, situation, and moment as our teachers, appreciating even the difficulties that we encounter. By utilizing the Skillful Means approach, we can find immediate ways to apply the Buddhist teachings directly to our daily lives.
Skillful Means Class and Practice
All volunteers attend a weekly 30 minute Skillful Means class where concepts and ideas of Skillful Means are discussed and practices are assigned for the week. Each morning we read from the Skillful Means book to set an intention for the day and to recap the weekly practice.
Skillful Means is available from our publishing company, Dharma Publishing online store.
