Industry

Industry, in the sense of hard consistent work to the achievement of a goal or result, is consistent with practice. Indolence, laziness which can be consistent and habitual, is inconsistent with practice. Practice is hard work and demands consistent effort. Unlike the Protestant Ethic's sense of industry, which is centered on the accumulation of wealth and hoarding of wealth to be passed down along patrimonial lines, the Buddhist sense of industry is centered on the vigorous maintenance of personal responsibilities in order to be able to develop compassion and mindfulness in the moment. Zen monasteries have a reputation for extreme cleanliness and superb hospitality for those interested in meditation. Their simplicity and beauty requires great industry on the part of the monks who maintain them. Laziness does not serve practice. Industry does. The balance of the Middle Path is achieved when industry and practice are naturally paired. The goal of practice is more practice. And through practice, perhaps, something greater than sense-obsessed human consciousness can be experienced. I am trying to incorporate my industry, my daily hard work at being responsible in all aspects my own life, into my practice, and I am trying to incorporate my practice into my industry.