So in our modern way of living, the Buddha’s teachings encourage us to be mindful not just of ourselves, but of the consequences we create with our actions. Are we being a ripple in the pond or making a big splash?

By Rob Argent

When we go through the details of the Eightfold Path we can often see them as big, overarching ideas that guide us in a non-specific way.

But when it comes to the fifth principle of Right Livelihood maybe this can be more tangible, more concrete than we think. I know that when I first started on the middle path I found the (quite frankly overwhelming) number of lists to read to be a bit daunting. That is until I learned about the idea of Dharma rain and simply allowing the knowledge to settle in over time. Phew!

Now, years later I’m looking into the practicalities of the path, and in some ways Right Livelihood is the one concept that might have changed the most since its original idea. And to help demonstrate this point I’m going to be using the example of punk pioneer, Ian Mackaye. If you don’t know who he is, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered.

As it was first told, Right Livelihood is the belief of finding a way to live which sits in alignment with our Buddha nature, ensuring that we can live without bringing suffering onto others. According to Siddartha Guetama this would mean avoiding industries that profited from the harm of others, like slavery manufacturing arms or cruelty to animals. Further to this, rather than just not being hurtful to others, our employment should be actively looking to help our communities; standing on the sidelines simply isn’t enough.

In a world where a lot of employees are part of a global supply chain, how can we be sure that our actions are beneficial to others?

That’s where Ian Mackaye comes in. A vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for 80’s hardcore band Minor Threat, his musical career seemed to start the same as many others in the DIY punk scene with small self-funded tours and independently released albums being carried out by the band. This allowed them both full creative control of their music, complete ownership of their recordings and how they were used.

When critical and commercial attention came to them though, Minor Threat and Mackaye’s follow up band Fugazi chose a different path. Rather than blithely accepting any and all business offers, each business decision was made on its own merits and whether or not it aligned with the bands’ own political stance.

Big record deal with a major label? Not if the label had ties to corporate arms manufacturing. Interview with a big music publication that could offer significant exposure? Not if they advertised alcohol or tobacco which, let’s be clear, is a big part of the rock and roll lifestyle to some people In fact, Mackaye himself declared that he was “straight edge,” being abstinent of mental intoxicants (sounds familiar doesn’t it?).

Whereas his contemporaries were happy to accept these things, sticking to his principles lead to a smaller life, one where he has been able to tread more carefully.

This is why he isn’t as well known as say, Henry Rollins or Iggy Pop, but at the same time you won’t see him doing a cheesy advert for car insurance either. And as much as I love Iggy Pop’s music, there is something just odd about going from fighting against the system to actively promoting commercial interests that don’t speak to his own worldview. All the while, Fugazi were touring with a stipulation that all gig tickets were capped at five dollars. This meant that the band members weren’t getting rich, but also it meant that their fans weren’t getting priced out of seeing them (and gained them some great cultural cache to boot).

So in our modern way of living, the Buddha’s teachings encourage us to be mindful not just of ourselves, but of the consequences we create with our actions. Are we being a ripple in the pond or making a big splash?

Societal expectations can push us to accept that higher paid role over the lesser paid job that we genuinely resonate with, so being able to identify what’s important to us firstly lets us see what matters the most before acting. We can change the way we live with this understanding of ourselves, so that we can quietly move away from the pressure to keep up with others and instead stay true to our own nature.

We don’t have to scream and shout like a punk singer, but we can do something to change the system; the change starts with us.

 

Photo: Pixabay

Editor: Dana Gornall

 

Did you like this post? You may also like:

Who Are You Beyond Your Labels?

Applying Right Livelihood in Any Occupation.

 

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