Masterwork: Managing Time

MasterWork is divided into two complementary parts. The first portion of the book explores the author's experiences while Dharma Enterprises, a subsidiary of Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulka's Tibetan Nyingma Institute. All of the projects under this foundation's umbrella followed what would later become known as the "Skillful Means" method. Skillful Means aims to get rid of work apathy while increasing self confidence, self esteem, and personal energy. Simply put, this method charges employees to give just a little more attention and commitment to their work and in return find themselves feeling more valued and content. Like the other projects undertaken by this group, Dharma Enterprises achieved a good deal of success using this method. For those new to Skillful Means, the second portion of this book goes into more detail about the concepts and how they can be useful in any business. Of particular significance are the exercises that can be undertaken either by an individual or by a team of employees. Throughout much of this material, the author points out how this method will aid the individual while also helping the company.

This is terrific introduction to Tibetan Buddhist ideas that are easier to understand because they are expressed in the anecdotal situations of running a printing business in the 90's. The author is candid and unpretentious, speaking clearly about the ups and downs of applying some ancient wisdom to his work, ideas that have come from a genuine buddhist master, but still had to be applied by someone who, despite considerable experience in business, was still a student of applied Buddhism. I like the genuineness of the author, and the feeling of the relationship with the teacher...this book is fun for those of us convinced there is something in Buddhism of great value, but not sure how to bring that something directly into our daily lives.

This is a great book because of how it brings together ideas that are usually kept in separate compartments. The author is the student of a Tibetan Buddhist teacher, and about ten or twelve years ago he and some other students started a printing business. The idea was to use Buddhist teachings in the business, especially some principles that they call "skillful means," and to see if they could make the business more successful.It seems like it worked. The business did really well, even though they started with a few strikes against them, and they had a good time too (not fun exactly, but a sense that their work had real value and was part of their spiritual path.)All that makes for interesting reading. But the real point of the book is to share some of the lessons they learned. That's the part that seemed really rewarding. Skillful Means involves a whole approach to time and to taking responsibility for your life and for getting the results you want, in your work or anywhere else. I'm already experimenting with some of the ideas, and they make good sense, and have an immediate impact.I don't know if all this will translate well into everyone's job, but I can see the benefit, and I feel like I've just scratched the surface. The author is really excited about the ideas in this book, and I am too.