A Buddhist View of Adult Learning in the Workplace

Abstract

The problem and the solution. Buddhism is a way of life practiced by more than 500 million people. The continued globalization of work and the expanding economic power and influence of Asian nations ensures that the beliefs, goals, practices, and traditions of Buddhism will take on increasing importance to business, education, and human resource development (HRD) professionals in every part of the world. Buddhism, like most worldviews, is not homogeneous and has many variations. Indeed, this adaptability is one of the hallmarks of Buddhism and is a major contributing factor to its spread and applicability around the world. The differences in these approaches are not as relevant to this article as are their commonalities in foundational beliefs, goals, and methods. Thus, this article presents a Buddhist view of learning, not the Buddhist view.

Consciousness at Work: A Review of Some Important Values, Discussed from a Buddhist Perspective

“…It seems that the interest in Buddhist practices as instigators to positive transformation of the work environment is growing. Johansen and Gopalakrishna (2006) confirm the increasing popularity and importance and attribute this to the continued globalization of work and the expanding economic power and influence of Asian nations. Johansen and Gopalakrishna (2006) share the opinion that it is adaptability, which is one of the hallmarks of Buddhism that forms the main contributing factor to its spread and applicability around the world.…”

“…Johansen and Gopalakrishna (2006) confirm the increasing popularity and importance and attribute this to the continued globalization of work and the expanding economic power and influence of Asian nations. Johansen and Gopalakrishna (2006) share the opinion that it is adaptability, which is one of the hallmarks of Buddhism that forms the main contributing factor to its spread and applicability around the world. The general idea seems to be that there should be a more people-focused approach in workplaces, with more breaks for rejuvenation of energy, and more positive reinforcement.…”

Toward Greater Consciousness in the 21st Century Workplace: How Buddhist Practices Fit In

“…Concurring with Yeshe's above statement are Johansen and Gopalakrishna (2006) who stress, ''Buddhism is not a religion in the traditional sense. Although it does allow for supernatural beings, it is non-theocratic.…”

“…The Buddha is not worshipped as a god but is respected as an enlightened teacher' ' (p. 338). Offering alternative ways to perceive Buddhism, Johansen and Gopalakrishna (2006) continue, ''Buddhism might be better conceived as a philosophy or perhaps a psychology in that it offers a particular worldview and way of living that leads to personal understanding, happiness, and development'' (p. 238). These authors then elaborate, ''Buddhism is a moral, ethical, value-based, scientific, educational system, the goal of which is to allow the individual to discover the true nature of things (becoming enlightened) and, in so doing, escape from suffering and attain happiness-not only for oneself but for all sentient beings' ' (p. 238).…”

Untitled

“…Buddhism presents a specific worldview and way of living that leads to personal understanding, happiness, and a wholesome development (Johansen & Gopalakrishna, 2006). It can be described as a moral, ethical, value-based, scientific, educational system that serves the purpose of enabling its observers to see things in their true nature, which will, in turn, help them get rid of suffering and attain happiness for themselves and many others.…”