Zen and the workplace

Click here to watch video

ee502936-92e0-11dd-a4c1-000b5dabf613.flv

In such an environment, Vietnamese peace activist, Thich Nhat Hanh says corporates would benefit from looking inwards. “I believe that the success of a business leader lies that he/she knows how to go home to himself/herself, to take care of himself/herself, in his body, feelings, emotions there are, things to recognize, to embrace, to transform, to nourish, to release. And we should have the time to go home to our self and take care of the body and our suffering. The second step is to go home to our beloved one and help him/her do the same. And we have enough strengths and conditions in order to succeed in our business/corporations" says the Zen master also called Thay.

The Noble peace prize nominee who worked to turn American public opinion against the war in Vietnam also advises corporates to engage in a dialogue with the employee. He said treating them as a part of the family, can help ensure that corporations achieve success. His words come at a time when management-worker relations are very much the focus in a city which has recently seen one such dispute lead to a lynching. Thich says, “If you practice the third mantra, I know that you suffer please tell me your sufferings your difficulties, may be we can help, and you practice deep listening, compassionate listening, with that your corporation becomes united. You’ll be supported by all the personnel."

The thrust of his teaching is on being mindful, being aware of what is going on in the present moment. That is what he says will lead to happiness. He was speaking at an event organized by CII and the ASPEN Institute on "The Art of Leadership". His book "Understanding our mind" was also released. The book is published by Harper Collins