A while back I got to my friends house in Surrey, she had a book lying out called The Sacred Path of the Warrior, I picked up and had finished it by Wednesday evening (I dont sleep much), although I have never been into buddhism much or any other religion it was interesting to say the least. I remember in October 2004 I was at a Leadership Calling gathering and Meg Wheatley was there and she told us of Shambala and the way of the Shambala Warrior. Some bits of the book really did mean quite a bit but being a rancid tart myself and quite rough around the edges I have an issue with the word Joy, dont know why but it just makes me cringe when I hear it. The word Joy was used quite a lot in the book, also about discipline, never been much good at that either. But was I did like was finding about the Four Dignities, especially the one of Outrageousness, that did make me chuckle
Meek “The four dignities” are introduced as a path and a process, which describe a warrior's maturing and widening sphere of benevolent engagement in the world. The training in the dignities allows one to maintain awareness and delight at each stage. Meek is a study of the grounded, humble and gentle beginning stages of a warrior's journey. Here one trains to overcome arrogance—the primary obstacle to learning.
Perky As the second of the four dignities, this level focuses on cultivating sharp, vibrant and uplifted energy through natural discipline. Overcoming the trap of doubt, the warrior of perky is able to accomplish his or her activities with a sense of nobility and ease.
Outrageous and Inscrutable These fruitional dignities refer to the extraordinary skill of a practiced warrior. No longer afraid of making mistakes, the unconventional and visionary perspective of the outrageous warrior combines with the skill of spontaneous inscrutability to create benefit for others on a large scale.
I enjoyed reading the book and it said about being unconditional, when I look at the way donations are given here and in the USA I realise it is mostly conditional, ie you only give if you get something back. CSR reminds me of this, the companies only give as it gives them good PR and they get tax exemptions, as if they need any more than they have, I find it quite easy to be unconditional and I notice some of those around me have a problem with it.
Do you think if they stopped all the sweeteners and tax benefits to giving, do you think the people would still give. Would you still set up that not for profit if they told you that you wouldn't get any funding? Is that why people tweak what needs doing to suit the funding even though most of the time its not needed? Would you be brave and try and find a way around it or would you give up and go do something else? Would you just think of getting the money now and to hell with the future and the seeds of damage you may be sowing for others? Would you give up your salary for what you believed in and what needed doing?
I think it is a mindset that needs changing maybe then we get a more humane society but I dont think it will happen in my lifetime.
