(WND-1, 905). In other words, we should treat our work as part of our Buddhist practice and recognize that all human affairs are manifestations of the Mystic Law.
“Work and Faith Are One and Inseparable.”
Assumpta-Gahutu and Gwyneth Addo discusses the attitude with which young African women should apply themselves at work as practitioners of their faith.
I’m proud to say that during my youth, whatever my job and wherever I worked, I always did my absolute best.
I have wonderful memories of my Ghanaian Sgi-member who one day cited the writing of Nichiren Daishonin, a commentary by the Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai on the Lotus Sutra that says; “No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality” (WND-1, 905).
He said the passage expresses the benefit of those who embrace the Lotus Sutra. Nothing in society or daily life is contrary to the true aspect of our lives.
Though our efforts may seem ordinary, because they are based on faith, they shine with the light of the Mystic Law.
Nothing is nobler than striving to make the world a better place. There is no need to be overly concerned with the type of work one does, the size of the company one works for or one’s position in it.
I have also embraced the Lotus-Sutra passage that it is often said; “In faith, do the work of one; in your job, do the work of three.”
How should we interpret these words and put them into practice?
Basically, this refers to making an effort. If you resolve to exert three times the usual effort, you’ll become the driving force for growth and improvement in both your workplace and the community in which you live. Faith is what enables us to do so.
So, as practitioners of our faith, should we strive to exert ourselves that much harder?
Assumpta: That’s right. Start with prayer, and then make efforts that accord with your prayers. This is what it meant by “faith equals daily life.” Every type of work requires its own kind of learning and training.
I strongly believe that a person’s attitude toward work should reflect their attitude toward life and other people; it reflects their beliefs about their purpose in living. The most profound, powerful, and sound philosophy for living is faith.
As such, my home was my first and most practical business school. Of the dynamism of my father the famed Charles Allen Gyimah.
My dad was the entrepreneur. He was the first to start this ‘broni wawo’ (second-hand clothing) business in Ghana.”
Subsequently, proceeded to the mandatory national service at the Standard Chartered Bank. There, I rose through the ranks of its Corporate Banking arm to be an Associate within relationship management focusing on Credit Analysis for companies.
During that time, as I tend to make decisions only after thorough contemplation, the above passage is especially relevant for me.
I learned how to keep an open mind, so I could grasp immediately why I had wanted to leave the banking job and where else I could achieve that objective better.
I also found the courage to decide to change my career. I came to the conclusion that fostering and encouraging young Ghanaian women should be my lifetime job.
I felt I could do both of these best as an inspirational speaker who trains Ghanaian entrepreneurs and decided to make a career in the “Hair Senta.“
The ordinary African people are champions.
Prayer and action are the most important elements of faith. I have also taken concrete action for the growth and success of my daycare and when I was a model.
It has become a noble tradition among we Namibians to stand on our own feet.’ The more we use our legs, the more we are able to build a firm foundation within our lives and thereby ensure that our citadel of fortune stands on solid ground.
Knowing that you received inspiration from your father, who I might say was your trainer and the best mentor in your life.
I was resolved to be the best in the world at whatever job I did. And I exerted myself to demonstrate my parents greatness through my work.
Remember that whether we win or lose in work life doesn’t depend upon the size of our company or the work environment. It all depends on us. It depends on our determination, and our attitude.
Given the current economic crisis, Ghanaians have many worries and problems where work is concerned.
Some are dealing with companies that are going out of business or restructuring. Others suddenly find themselves taking on heavier workloads due to staff layoffs. Still others have to work night shifts or are unable to take time off. In spite of these challenges, the girls at my “Hair Senta” are challenging themselves whole- heartedly with the spirit to never be defeated.
I know what that’s like. When I started the daycare, I almost experienced a collapse of the businesses.
In the period of economic turmoil following the Covid-19, many small- and medium-sized companies went bankrupt. I know firsthand how tough it is when a company fails.
Nevertheless, I step up to ensure that all the teachers were paid so that they won’t incur debts.
I struggled furiously and managed to completely transform the situation in accord with the Buddhist principle of “changing poison into medicine,” thus opening the way for me to become the owner or principal of the Daycare.
That is means, you strove tirelessly, living the passage from The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, “In a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas” (p. 214).
Thank you, for attending today dialogue.
