The Datsusara Way
The Japanese term "Datsusara" refers to the act of quitting work as a salaryman and finding a new occupation. What does this mean for each of us? As for myself, I feel that life is too precious to be spent doing work that does little to benefit the body, mind or soul and so I chose the Datsusara way. But the act of becoming a Datsusara can be daunting.
Many perceive being Datsusara as a lazy act to avoid responsibility or they have fears due to debt, a dependent family, or other obligations. I assure you it's isn't a lazy man's path. It takes great dedication and commitment to stay the course, but rest assured it's worth it. I can't encourage you enough to spend more of your time doing what you love. Perhaps for you this means you work at home, change careers, start a business, learn new things, have adventures, spend time with loved ones, etc. If things ever start to seem difficult just keep in mind why you chose the Datsusara way.
I have days when running the business can be exhausting even though it's seems that I have an ideal situation. I don't wake up to an alarm, I work at home, I get to hang out with my dog all day and my customers are great people (thank you all for the support!). But it's easy to forget all of these things when I get bogged down with emails, phone calls, fulfilling orders and dealing with defective units or the rising costs of manufacturing.
I find it's critical to keep the greater vision in mind or risk falling into a self imposed pattern of slavery, which is exactly what we are trying to prevent by becoming Datsusara. For me, this means remembering that I'm working at changing people's perception of hemp, which in turn will improve our world in a myriad of ways. Every Datsusara will have their own way of being, you don't have to intend to change the world, but by simply finding your true path, you will change the world for the better.
Be Datsusara.
"Follow your bliss" - Joseph Campbell
"Have fun, and don't take it too seriously" Jeff Bridge's Mother
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Chris Odell
April 06, 2013
Rafael,
Glad you liked it and thanks for the comment :)