We explore a powerful teaching found in variants in many traditions, from the Gita to Chuang Tzu to the book of Job to the teachings of the Buddha to Gandhi. This teaching could be expressed as bringing together, paradoxically, committed action and non-attachment to outcome. The Gita and Gandhi spoke of disciplined action without attachment to the fruits of the action. The Buddha pointed out the ways of getting attached through the Eight Worldly Winds. We explore the nature of the teaching and some ways to practice it, as well as what a mature expression of the teaching looks like. There is also discussion.
|