A Whole Life's Work - by Lewis Richmond (Paperback)

About the Book

What is work, when it really comes down to it? Building on this central premise, Richmond offers an invaluable and fulfilling resource that addresses what is perhaps one of the primary struggles of contemporary Western life--how to strike a balance between achievement and ambition on one hand, and contentment and happiness on the other.

Book Synopsis

"Work is not just a job. It is the sum of all our purposeful activities. Seen in this light, work is our whole life."
-- from A Whole Life's Work
What is work in the truest sense of the word? For Buddhist priest and acclaimed author Lewis Richmond, work is more than just having a job, or a means to a profitable end. It is the key to cultivating inner life and contributing to the developing consciousness of all humanity.
In this companion to his national bestseller, Work as a Spiritual Practice, Richmond applies his Buddhist understanding to address what is perhaps one of the primary struggles of contemporary Western life: how to achieve a healthy balance between professional ambition and personal happiness. Here he adapts Buddhist categories of spiritual virtue in defining eight important modes of work the Earner, the Hobbyist, the Creator, the Monk, the Helper, the Parent, the Learner, and the Elder along with their corresponding eight modes of inner work: Precepts, Vitality, Patience, Calm, Equanimity, Giving, Humility, and Wisdom. How to internalize these modes of work, and lead a more meaningful and spiritual life, is what this groundbreaking guidebook is all about.
Whether we are professionals, artists, hobbyists, parents, students, or spiritual leaders, A Whole Life¹s Work can teach us how to reconcile our outer livelihood with our inner lives...and reap the benefits of hard work well done.

Review Quotes

"[An] outstanding book on life and work....[Richmond] is an experienced teacher who shares his wisdom with generosity and integrity."
-- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"I recommend this groundbreaking...book to anyone interested in developing spiritual wisdom...in every activity of daily life."
-- Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within

"Inspiring and edifying."
-- Spirituality & Health

"Well-written and thought-provoking, Richmond's book illuminates the importance of our work."
-- Cleveland Plain Dealer