What you were born to do is no longer a mystery. Career Dharma, The Natural Art of Work, by Urmila Devi Dasi (Dr. Edith Best) and Dr. Ruchira S. Datta, is here to help you discover that. The English word natural comes from the Latin term “naturalis,” which means birth, or in Middle English, it denotes the physical power of a person. What is your superpower? What is your dharma?
In this comprehensive volume, the authors begin with the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita, which speaks of our sanatana dharma (eternal dharma) and sva dharma (temporary dharma pertaining to our body). In fact, Krishna says, “It is better to engage in one’s own occupation, even though one may perform it imperfectly than to accept another’s occupation and perform it perfectly” (BG 3.35; 18.47), warning against upsetting the societal body. The other verse that is emphasized is, “Always think of Me and become My devotee (man mana bhava mad bhakti)” (BG 18.65). Our movement has emphasized the latter since its inception 57 years ago. It’s time to bridge the gap between where you want to be and where you are by finding out who you are.
After all, how can you work with detachment and give up the fruits of your labor, as Krishna recommends, if your work is not fulfilling and the fruits are acquired painstakingly?
Even if you are situated in your dream occupation, lacking the understanding of your dharma results in the misapplication of your potential; what to speak of the added value of understanding other’s natures as well as their respective dharma and the intrinsic dharmas of specific occupations.
The world is largely being educated by the likes of Hollywood, Bollywood, YouTube, Netflix, and social media influencers. Proclaiming that you can be whatever you want and that freedom is the ability to choose. That immediate gratification is your rightful claim—selling the dream of unlimited choices on an equal playing field. Overchoice and competition, rather than cooperation among the fields of work, abound. When, in fact, your experience is more of an unequal playing field, over choice, and mental anguish. Naturally, job satisfaction is at its lowest. Enter Dr. Best and Dr. Datta, who unfold the ancient texts to inform the reader of a brighter truth: a system devised by Krishna for harmonious social intercourse, thus moving from defective business practices to utilizing Krishna’s invention. Alternatively, tried and tested corporate practices have been the go-to for innovative communities in ISKCON.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/career-dharma-the-natural-art-of-work-book-review/
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