Buddhist Images in the Workplace
- Thomas Amundsen
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- Location: Helena, MT
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Buddhist Images in the Workplace
Hello All,
Not sure if this topic has been covered, as the search engine won't let me search for the word "work" because it is too common. Nor am I sure if this is the appropriate forum...
What are your thoughts on displaying Buddhist images in the workplace? By that, I mean having pictures, statues, flags, whatever, in your cubicle, office, etc.
Not sure if this topic has been covered, as the search engine won't let me search for the word "work" because it is too common. Nor am I sure if this is the appropriate forum...
What are your thoughts on displaying Buddhist images in the workplace? By that, I mean having pictures, statues, flags, whatever, in your cubicle, office, etc.
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- Joined: Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:05 am
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I took down a framed picture of the Buddha from my office when I started sharing the office with a coworker who practices a brand of Buddhism that is strongly opposed to any depiction of the Buddha.
Since then, I have become aware of people protesting: the depiction of Buddha in "Buddha Bars", on the packaging of a grocery store noodle dish, a rapper/ musician whose music video showed a Buddha in the background... Seems like the safest choice is to choose not to.
Since then, I have become aware of people protesting: the depiction of Buddha in "Buddha Bars", on the packaging of a grocery store noodle dish, a rapper/ musician whose music video showed a Buddha in the background... Seems like the safest choice is to choose not to.
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I had an ex Dept Head some time ago who turned his office into what his Duty Managers called it 'Ashram' with a collection of Buddhist and Hindu figurines every corner and smells like an incense store. When one sits facing his desk, one faces not only him but a sizeable Hotei figure...and one can hear chanting CDs on...
In contrast to one Hotel Manager (who's a non Buddhist) I used to work with, his office has one beautiful and inspiring framed Buddha face with a sunset silhouette on the wall just behind his work desk. When asked on why the image, he claims it has a calming effect on all who comes into his office especially on Board meeting days lol
Less is more it seems...
In contrast to one Hotel Manager (who's a non Buddhist) I used to work with, his office has one beautiful and inspiring framed Buddha face with a sunset silhouette on the wall just behind his work desk. When asked on why the image, he claims it has a calming effect on all who comes into his office especially on Board meeting days lol
Less is more it seems...
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
The best is to have a Buddha image in your mind. Nobody gets upset about it, no dust on it, you have it permanently with you wherever you are and the greatest merit arises from it.
Kind regards
Kind regards
- KathyLauren
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Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
Well, my workplace is my home. Does that count?
Om mani padme hum
Keith
Om mani padme hum
Keith
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Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I heard that Winston Churchill kept a small Buddha statue on the nightstand by his bed. Said he couldn't sleep without it...plwk wrote:In contrast to one Hotel Manager (who's a non Buddhist) I used to work with, his office has one beautiful and inspiring framed Buddha face with a sunset silhouette on the wall just behind his work desk. When asked on why the image, he claims it has a calming effect on all who comes into his office especially on Board meeting days lol
Less is more it seems...
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I put calligraphy on my cubicle's walls. It doesn't necessarily appear as Buddhist unless one reads Chinese. I usually use some Buddhist image as my background picture, although even I don't see it often because of the different windows open.
Baizhang's saying is very good for workplaces:
(one day without work, one day without eating).
Baizhang's saying is very good for workplaces:
(one day without work, one day without eating).
1 Myriad dharmas are only mind.
Mind is unobtainable.
What is there to seek?
2 If the Buddha-Nature is seen,
there will be no seeing of a nature in any thing.
3 Neither cultivation nor seated meditation —
this is the pure Chan of Tathagata.
4 With sudden enlightenment to Tathagata Chan,
the six paramitas and myriad means
are complete within that essence.
1 Huangbo, T2012Ap381c1 2 Nirvana Sutra, T374p521b3; tr. Yamamoto 3 Mazu, X1321p3b23; tr. J. Jia 4 Yongjia, T2014p395c14; tr. from "The Sword of Wisdom"
Mind is unobtainable.
What is there to seek?
2 If the Buddha-Nature is seen,
there will be no seeing of a nature in any thing.
3 Neither cultivation nor seated meditation —
this is the pure Chan of Tathagata.
4 With sudden enlightenment to Tathagata Chan,
the six paramitas and myriad means
are complete within that essence.
1 Huangbo, T2012Ap381c1 2 Nirvana Sutra, T374p521b3; tr. Yamamoto 3 Mazu, X1321p3b23; tr. J. Jia 4 Yongjia, T2014p395c14; tr. from "The Sword of Wisdom"
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
What if you work at a temple? Is it okay then?KeithBC wrote:Well, my workplace is my home. Does that count?
Om mani padme hum
Keith
- KathyLauren
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Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
LOL! I would hope so!Huseng wrote: What if you work at a temple? Is it okay then?
Om mani padme hum
Keith
- Thomas Amundsen
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Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
For people with weak minds like myself, it is easier to have a Buddha image in my mind if I have an actual physical representation sitting somewhere that I see even when I wasn't previously thinking about it.TMingyur wrote:The best is to have a Buddha image in your mind. Nobody gets upset about it, no dust on it, you have it permanently with you wherever you are and the greatest merit arises from it.
Kind regards
- Thomas Amundsen
- Posts: 2034
- Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:50 am
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Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
NiceAstus wrote:I put calligraphy on my cubicle's walls. It doesn't necessarily appear as Buddhist unless one reads Chinese. I usually use some Buddhist image as my background picture, although even I don't see it often because of the different windows open.
Baizhang's saying is very good for workplaces:
(one day without work, one day without eating).
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I am in the same position. Of course an outer image is a prerequisite for an inner image ... it takes some effort, but it is worthwhile.tomamundsen wrote:For people with weak minds like myself, it is easier to have a Buddha image in my mind if I have an actual physical representation sitting somewhere that I see even when I wasn't previously thinking about it.TMingyur wrote:The best is to have a Buddha image in your mind. Nobody gets upset about it, no dust on it, you have it permanently with you wherever you are and the greatest merit arises from it.
Kind regards
Kind regards
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
That's a good idea
If you feel uncomfortable with a blatantly Buddhist image, then something not so obvious like calligraphy.
I've got a Honmon Butsuryu Shu crest on my phone and computer, no one who has seen it knows what it is.
If you feel uncomfortable with a blatantly Buddhist image, then something not so obvious like calligraphy.
I've got a Honmon Butsuryu Shu crest on my phone and computer, no one who has seen it knows what it is.
南無妙法蓮華経
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
tomamundsen wrote:Hello All,
Not sure if this topic has been covered, as the search engine won't let me search for the word "work" because it is too common. Nor am I sure if this is the appropriate forum...
What are your thoughts on displaying Buddhist images in the workplace? By that, I mean having pictures, statues, flags, whatever, in your cubicle, office, etc.
I don't know... could be a funny form of patriotism.. isn't it ? If not.. then it's just like anything else, neither needed or unneeded.... if it's the song one sings...it's the song one sings...
I am that Iam
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I have a small crystal Buddha a friend of mine got me from Korea. Its a small circle cut in crystal with an image of Buddha Shakyamuni in the middle of the round crystal outline. It sits on top of the computer tower.
"Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise." --Surangama Sutra
Phenomenon, vast as space, dharmata is your base, arising and falling like ocean tide cycles, why do i cling to your illusion of unceasing changlessness?
Phenomenon, vast as space, dharmata is your base, arising and falling like ocean tide cycles, why do i cling to your illusion of unceasing changlessness?
- Madeliaette
- Posts: 179
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2011 6:29 pm
- Location: Currently in Sussex, England. Formerly in Wollongong, Australia.
Re: Buddhist Images in the Workplace
I doubt I would ever get into a 'regular' 9-5 style job or work outside the home to have to worry about this, but...
It is easier still since December 2010, as he now stays on the ground floor only in the converted lounge due to his mobility problems, so i am free to rearrange my room in any way, and could now have my Buddha statue in any position should i choose to change things around. My son has now moved in too on this level, but he is fully aware of my Buddhist practices and although not a Buddhist himself, is not offended by it as he does not practice any specific religion.He is used to my 'little Buddhist corner' from when I lived in Australia with him previous to rushing on over here to look after Dad.
That is similar for me - since December 2009, I have returned to live in my father's home and take care of him. He is Christian, not Buddhist - so to prevent any upset I placed my Buddhist altar behind the bedside cabinet - that way, I was free to have my own sacred space and he would not see it to become offended.Well, my workplace is my home. Does that count?
It is easier still since December 2010, as he now stays on the ground floor only in the converted lounge due to his mobility problems, so i am free to rearrange my room in any way, and could now have my Buddha statue in any position should i choose to change things around. My son has now moved in too on this level, but he is fully aware of my Buddhist practices and although not a Buddhist himself, is not offended by it as he does not practice any specific religion.He is used to my 'little Buddhist corner' from when I lived in Australia with him previous to rushing on over here to look after Dad.