Exploring Corporate Management and Corporate Social Responsibility under the Concept of “Environmental Protection of the Mind” -- Case Studies on Fellow Members of DDM Dharma Practice Society

• Main Authors: Yewlin,WheiBee, 林慧碧
• Other Authors: 陳定銘博士
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/96515964887531874756

碩士 === 法鼓文理學院 === 社會企業與創新碩士學位學程 === 105 === Master Sheng Yen was a religious leader with great wisdom and vision. He saw how ordinary people had tended to focus on improving material comforts in life but overlooked the importance of self-growth from within. These days many have realized that, through endless consumption of natural resources and production of wastes, human have done great damage on mother nature. To repair this and to protect the natural environment for future generations and other species on earth, we must first be willing to examine and modify our fundamental values. It is to the benefit of all if we value more on the wellbeing of the whole than on individual gains; more on the long run impact than on immediate success. Only so, a better world for all can be possibly attained. Master Sheng Yen founded Dharma Drum Mountain (DDM) in 1989 only to dedicate it to the practice and promotion of “Humanistic Buddhism”, emphasis of which is placed on the practice of a Bodhisattva path in this present world. He later initiated the concept of “Spiritual Environmentalism” in 1992, which has since become the core concept of DDM in moving forward with its vision of “Uplifting the Character of Humanity and Building a Pure Land on Earth”. The term “Spiritual Environmentalism” was created by Master Sheng Yen based on the essence of Vimalakirti Sutra and Chan teachings for ease of comprehension by modern people. It is the core among “The Four Kinds of Environmentalism” advocated by him, namely: Spiritual Environmentalism, Natural Environmentalism, Living Environmentalism, and Social Environmentalism. Master Sheng Yen further formulated complete methodologies that are easy to understand and practical to implement as guides for applying the concept of “Spiritual Environmentalism” in daily life. The so named “The Five Fourfold Practices of the Mind” and “The Six Ethics of the Mind” had been clearly defined and thoroughly expounded by Master Sheng Yen throughout the years before he passed away in 2009. DDM Dharma Practice Society (DDMDPS) is one of several sub-organizations of DDM. The sole qualification required to join DDMDPS membership is the completion of DDM’s 3-day Social Elites Meditation Retreat (renamed as Self-Transcendence Chan Meditation Retreat in 2009). Therefore, members of DDMDPS consist of elites from all professional fields. Individually or collectively they are in the position to bring about greater impact onto society. DDMDPS’s mission is to help spread the benefits of practicing Dharma, and to advance DDM’s vision of “Uplifting the Character of Humanity and Building a Pure Land on Earth”. Entering the 18th year since its founding in 1999, members of DDMDPS have gradually matured in their pursuit of a Buddhist faith and in their devotion to the Bodhisattva path. They have deepened their comprehension of Dharma as well as experience in Chan meditation through consistent involvement in DDM Dharma teachings and activities. New members continue to join in, DDMDPS’s commitment to carry out its mission is ever stronger and greater in scope, in remembrance of Master Sheng Yen’s great teachings. By practicing Chan meditation routinely and implementing the concept of “Spiritual Environmentalism” at work, many members of DDMDPS find improvement in their interaction with people, leadership, and decision making. Such practices in turn help enhance corporate management, business ethics, employee relations, corporate social responsibility, etc. within their organizations. This paper explores the effects of practicing Chan meditation on body and mind of selected DDMDPS members, as well as the changes they have experienced by applying the concept of “Spiritual Environmentalism” to work. This paper focuses on the impact of “Spiritual Environmentalism” on corporate management and corporate social responsibility. Taking DDMDPS members as study samples, this paper attempts to seek evidences to conclude that practicing “Spiritual Environmentalism” is beneficial to self-growth as well as to corporate management; and that DDMDPS members can set good role models for incorporating “Spiritual Environmentalism” into company practice to bring greater and better impact on uplifting our society.