“And what, bhikkhus, is wrong livelihood? Scheming, talking, hinting, belittling, pursuing gain with gain: this is wrong livelihood.
“...Here, bhikkhus, a noble disciple abandons wrong livelihood and gains his living by right livelihood: this is right livelihood that is affected by taints…ripening in the acquisitions.
“And what, bhikkhus, is right livelihood that is noble, taintless, supramundane, a factor of the path? The desisting from wrong livelihood, the abstaining, refraining, abstinence from it in one whose mind is noble, whose mind is taintless, who possesses the noble path and is developing the noble path: this is right livelihood that is noble…a factor of the path.
(117. The Great Forty, Majjhima Nikāya, Bhikkhu Bodhi)
Right Livelihood: Earning a Living with Integrity
The passage explores the concept of Right Livelihood, a cornerstone of the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path. It delves into the distinction between wrong livelihood and two forms of right livelihood: one "affected by taints" and the other, a "noble...factor of the path."
Wrong Livelihood: A Path of Deception and Exploitation
The text defines wrong livelihood as a series of unethical practices employed to gain wealth. These include:
- Scheming: Cunning manipulation to secure gain, often at the expense of others.
- Talking: Deceptive speech, such as lying, flattery, or misleading information.
- Hinting: Indirect suggestions for personal benefit, creating an atmosphere of manipulation.
- Belittling: Disparaging others' goods or services to promote one's own.
- Pursuing gain with gain: Engaging in activities that exploit or harm others for personal profit.
These actions create a web of dishonesty and exploitation. They damage trust and erode the social fabric. Ultimately, wrong livelihood leads to suffering, both for the perpetrator and those affected by their actions.
Right Livelihood (Affected by Taints): Balancing Ethics with Practicality
The passage then describes a form of right livelihood "affected by taints." This refers to earning a living that adheres to some ethical principles but may not be entirely free from negative consequences. This might involve:
- Working in industries with environmental impacts, although one strives to minimize their personal contribution.
- Participating in a competitive market that necessitates some level of self-promotion, even if it feels uncomfortable.
In these scenarios, the individual strives for ethical conduct within the constraints of their circumstances. They may be working towards a more ideal career path or advocating for change within their industry. This form of right livelihood represents a step towards a more ethical existence.
Right Livelihood (Noble): A Path of Integrity and Compassion
The text culminates with the concept of right livelihood that is "noble...a factor of the path." This refers to a way of earning a living that is:
- Free from taints: Untainted by actions that cause harm or suffering.
- Supramundane: Transcending worldly concerns and grounded in ethical principles.
- A factor of the path: Actively contributing to one's spiritual growth and enlightenment.
This ideal form of right livelihood goes beyond mere avoidance of wrong livelihood. It involves a deep commitment to:
- Honesty and integrity: Conducting oneself with truthfulness and fairness in all business dealings.
- Non-violence: Avoiding professions that inflict harm on living beings or the environment.
- Mindfulness: Approaching work with awareness of its impact on oneself and others.
- Generosity: Earning a living with the intention to contribute to the well-being of others.
This kind of work becomes a form of spiritual practice. It allows one to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and skillful means (skillful action motivated by wisdom and compassion).
Right Livelihood in the Modern World
Applying these principles in today's complex world can be challenging. όμως (omoios, however), individuals can strive for Right Livelihood by:
- Choosing a career that aligns with their values.
- Conducting their work ethically and responsibly.
- Advocating for positive change in their workplace and industry.
- Using their skills and resources to benefit society.
- Living a simple and sustainable lifestyle.
Right Livelihood is a journey, not a destination. It requires continuous reflection, adaptation, and a commitment to ethical action. By aligning our work with our values and contributing positively to the world, we can create a more just and harmonious society.
.jpg)