Social Responsibility at the Workplace
by Master Lee Feng San Shifu
Translated by Sophia Lui
Edited by Ric Meyers
Work is a contribution to society, at its very core. It enriches lives. Everyone needs to contribute through work. At the workplace, we also have to fulfill our social responsibility — which is to act in the best interest of our environment and society as a whole. However, we see that there are some people who fail to do the right thing.
We still remember the massive earthquake in Southeast Asia years ago, which triggered a series of tsunamis that claimed an untold number of lives. Communities that live along the coastal areas have customarily drawn on the seas and coasts for its livelihood – generating income through fisheries, maritime produce and tourism. In return, however, have they fulfilled their responsibility to protect the environment or even shown her the respect due?
The power of nature is so immense that one counterattack is sufficient to wipe us all out. Was that deadly disaster not enough to trigger introspection about environmental protection? Although many of the coastal people are kind and honest, more needs to be done.
If a person does not know how to show respect to the natural environment and make efforts to improve its problems — but only knows how to live off it, pollute it and deplete its resources — then the counterattack of Mother Nature against human beings can be expected and formidable. This is the law of nature.
When it comes to earning our livelihood, all religions have more or less the same message. Buddhism says, a person who works hard and well will be rewarded. Confucianism says, for it is first in giving selflessly that we receive. Christianity says, all effort and labour are beneficial.
Some people are envious of the many students that I have. However, this is something which I have earned through hard work. Someone once asked me: “Can you show me how you do it?” I said: “No problem! We must do our work for its own sake, not for fortune, fame or recognition. Rewards will come eventually if they are meant to.”
According to Taoism, one governs by non-activity. Buddhism says, forms are created out of nothing. And Confucianism refers to that which is borne out of nothingness. In fact, they all point to the same thing: give up seeking and what is due will come to you.
A virtuous person believes that reward only comes as a result of perseverance and hard work, and not without them. We must all ask ourselves: “Am I diligent in what I do, performing my work with dedication and due care?” We must not shy away from hard work. We must believe that all effort and labour are worth their while in the end.
“Labour with diligence and self-denial; understand the importance of showing respect and let things come effortlessly without desire.” — Lee Feng San Shifu