The Value of Honest Work : หน้า 31/207

honest with every job they did throughout their lives, they could tell their stories proudly: “Ever since we were young, when we had to get a job, even if it was to empty or to clean the toilets, we would take that job, because it was an honest job. We pretended our bodies were doormats. But if the job was to rob someone, we definitely wouldn’t ever take it. We also rejected any job that involved cheating, deception, or fraud.” Working to support a family is a heavy responsibility, because every meal is bought with hard-earned money. A person, who works mindfully, never complains or has an attitude, and concentrates on working honestly will be proud that they earned the money to support the family with their energy and with the virtues of honesty. They will not have any regrets or be blamed at a later time. A peaceful mind comes from having an honest job. Although other people might look down on us for having a job with a lower status, we do not have anything to be ashamed of. We should be proud of our honest way of living, like the doormat that only serves to rid the dirt from our shoes without complaint, dislike, or paternity. A person who maintains a serene mind based on their honest living and lack of attitude, even with a job of lower status, will have grandchildren who are all willing to pay respect to them with pride. A person who concentrates on performing good deeds, working honestly, and making their body like a doormat will have a successful and peaceful mind; they will not be jealous of others. Their virtue will elevate and they will be good role models for their grandchildren. Family members will be pleased and proud to be a part of a family that prizes this honest way of living. Those who focus on performing good deeds, working honestly, being humble and not setting conditions prior to performing good deeds just like a doormat will have a more refined and peaceful mind, which is considered to be honorable in a marriage. And they will be good role models for the next generation. This is the third magic form of conduct that prevents divorce. 4) Mind like the earth means keeping a strong determination when performing the good deeds, without any conditions and unwavering in the face of obstacles. Our grandparents focused on this Dhamma lesson because they realized that, even though we dedicate all our energy and knowledge to perform good deeds, there are still obstacles that we encounter that are more serious than we can handle. Yet we must learn to handle these situations. In other words, even if we might not be able to it, we must learn to endure it.