Workplace Ethics

Why must we act ethically? Why must we do good? Why don't we just be selfish and employ unethical means to garner wealth and samsaric pleasures? Why bother about coworkers and customers and morality?

Every action produces some result. If you drink water it produces some result - it satisfies thirst. If you drink alcohol, its impact extends beyond quenching thirst. Some results are visible clearly and immediately. Some take time and we may not realize the connection.

Imagine I lie about our teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. When you get to know the truth, you will lose confidence in me. Not to mention that Thay will be disappointed with my behavior. Suffering is an uncomfortable state of mind and body. Embarrassment that I would feel would be an uncomfortable state of mind. That would be suffering.

According to the Vijñaptimatra school of Buddhism, our store consciousness has all kinds of seeds. If we water good seeds, we practice right action and we will eventually enjoy its fruits. What are the right actions and what must we avoid at the workplace?

First, we must not take up a job that will harm other sentient beings. We must not kill or hurt people and animals. We must treat our customers and coworkers fairly. We must not become a threat to others and must never become physically aggressive.

We must not take credit for somebody else's work. People work hard and deserve rewards. By taking credit for something that someone else has done, we deprive them of the rewards. We must also not sell or leak information that may cause harm to our coworkers.

We must not lie in a manner that benefits us but hurts somebody else's interests. We must not engage in slander and meaningless discussions. It is not necessary to keep talking about something you don't like. If you do that, you will become unhappy. Instead, focus on your breath or discuss something nice. If we develop equanimity, we will treat the CEO and the tea lady in much the same civil manner - with a smile. If we have the ability to decide on promotions, we must keep in mind that they must be based on merit alone and not our personal preferences.

We must not sexually harass our coworkers. Using our position at the workplace to demand sexual favors is completely unacceptable. We must be mindful not to invade the personal space of our women friends at the workplace.

We must not go to the workplace in an inappropriate or intoxicated state or carry things that are dangerous or prohibited like drugs or weapons. We must dress appropriately. Our clothes may invite comments that we may not like.

Beyond this, we must always strive to create conditions that promote creativity, innovation, honesty and happiness.

If we come across information that indicates unlawful or unethical behavior, we must appropriately inform the concerned agencies.

Please be mindful all the time. Work can easily and frequently cause stress. It can be countered through mindful breathing.

A happier workplace can solve a lot of problems. Please remember to breathe.

Working Pro Bono To Spread Joy

We are very fortunate that we have the ability to perform acts through our body, speech and mind effectively. We will not have this opportunity forever. We must use this to benefit others. Practicing generosity is a perfection. Giving your time and effort to help others without charging fees ranks very high in the order of meritorious deeds.

I work in an industry where I see people facing financial hardships lose their homes, financial and social standing and self esteem, thanks to lenders and loan servicers participating in an economic system designed to exploit others. They cannot afford to hire expensive professional services. The same applies to other industries and walks of life. The needy can seldom afford to hire professional help.

Working pro bono means offering your services for good without charging for it or at highly reduced fees. If you can spare a little bit of time to help others, you can light up their lives. I will participate in any such initiatives whenever feasible.

We are generally very good at advising others but going one step further and actually doing it for someone makes a huge difference. When you are hungry, you need food not a recipe. Think.

I have experience performing the following tasks for the US real estate market participants:

* Reviewing title reports.
* Resolving title issues.
* Suggesting foreclosure prevention strategies.
* Identifying and negotiating liens.
* Identifying HOAs, negotiating HOA dues and reviewing HOA rules/docs.
* Performing closing agent functions like preparing Escrow docs, obtaining payoffs, preparing Grant Deed/Warranty deeds, Quit Claim deeds, HUD statement etc.

Please add my skills with my details to your phone/organizer so if you need any assistance you can reach me. I will help whenever possible. Similarly, please offer your skills and contact details to others so they can reach you when they need your help.

We are like a store of seeds. Some are good and some seeds are bad. If we water good seeds, compassion will bloom. Practicing generosity we water the good seeds. When we all realize this, we begin to form mindful and enlightened communities.

A Borrower's Breakup Letter to Lender

Dear Lender,

I will never forget how it felt when we first met. I had dreams and you had the means. It was as if we were made for each other. You promised to fulfill all my dreams. You promised we would have a beautiful home, a fancy car and money to send kids to college. That we would shop and vacation at exotic locations. You said you wanted me to live my dreams. I fell for your charms. I signed the promissory note.

Then, you changed. I thought you were true to me but you lied. I told you she was trash but you wouldn't listen. That really was subprime! You said I wasn't 'adjustable' and treated me like yesterday's jam.

I had to sell my jewelry and liquidate my savings to support your flashy lifestyle. It never was enough. The subprime trash took all you had. All that I had given you!

You now want to take my home and sell it on HUBZU. You may do as you please but I have had enough. I have learned how greed and desire cause hardships. You misled me but I have found the Way. I have discovered the Sutra on Eight Realizations.

http://www.fodian.net/world/779.htm

I will practice mindfulness and have few material desires. I have understood that if I desire for more, I will end up being a part of an economic system that exploits others. I have understood that happiness is a peaceful state of body and mind. I will practice mindfulness to cultivate a peaceful state of body and mind.

Goodbye, my love!
Borrower