Page 117 - The Buddha‘s Noble Eightfold Path

It is very clear what sort of acting, what sort of stage

performance, the Buddha was talking about. I personally do not
believe his remarks would apply to classical Greek tragedy, for

example, the effect of which is cathartic and which has,
therefore, an ethical and spiritual significance. But certainly
they would apply to the sort of performance Talaputo was in

the habit of putting on, as well as to a great deal of the
entertainment provided by modern stage — and screen —

actors and actresses who, by their acting, often have upon
others an effect which is degrading.

The principle that emerges from what has so far been said
about Perfect Livelihood, in the sense of abstaining from wrong

livelihood, is quite clear. But modern life is more complicated
than life in the days of the Buddha, and I personally feel that
the whole subject of Perfect Livelihood needs reconsideration,

if not restatement, in a more modern context. It will be
convenient to consider Perfect Livelihood under the headings of

Occupation, Vocation, and Duration.

(1) Occupation

With regard to one's actual occupation, I think occupations can
be divided into four (a) Those occupations or means of

livelihood which, like working in a slaughterhouse, cannot be
right under any circumstances. (b) Those which are not wrong
in the flagrant and obvious way that (a) type occupations are,

but which definitely increase people's greed. Such occupations
include working in the advertising industry, and producing

luxury goods that people do not really want and which they
have to be persuaded they want and even need. (c) Those
occupations which can constitute Perfect Livelihood if one

makes an effort, You may be a clerk working in the office

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