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The Diamond Cutter: The Buddha on Strategies for Managing Your Business and Your Life Geshe Michael Roach
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“grok.” Jargon File 4.2.0. 18 Nov. 2006. Dictionary.com
/grok/, var. /grohk/ vt. [from the novel “Stranger in a
Strange Land”, by Robert A. Heinlein, where it is a Martian word
meaning literally `to drink' and metaphorically `to be one with']
The emphatic form is `grok in fullness'. 1. To understand, usually
in a global sense. Connotes intimate and exhaustive knowledge.
Contrast zen, which is similar supernal understanding experienced
as a single brief flash. See also glark. 2. Used of programs,
may connote merely sufficient understanding. “Almost all C
compilers grok the `void' type these days.”
Someone close to me insisted that I read this book. He gave me a copy right before I embarked on one of those trips over a large body of water.
Must be a gimmick. Buddhism and business? I have read enough books that try to link ancient philosophies — I-Jing, Arts of War, Confucism, Taoism, etc. — with business management. Those books cheapened the ancient wisdoms which should be seriously studied as philosophical heritages, not turned into few aphorismic catch phrases and managerial quick tricks.
Michael Roach appears to be genuine. According to his book, he studied Buddhism in Tibet for years. His guru wanted him to enter business so he could become a better monk. Yes, he is a Tibetan monk, shaved and chanting, the whole sh-bang. “Geshe” is not part of his name. It is an honorific title bestowed only after passing some vigorous tests after years of studies.
Buddhism originated from India. During the Tang (618~907 AD) dynasty, it flourished in China and became the dominant religion here. All “denominations” use the same Buddhism scriptures that were translated from ancient Indian. Unlike the Bible, these translated versions stayed in the same form for over a thousand years. Scholars and gurus re-interpreted them all the time, but one could always go back to the original version. This book is based on one single scripture whose title is roughly translated into Diamond Sutra. It records one of the most important lectures from Buddha himself.
Geshe Roach first laid a foundation on his managerial approach. He then provided a recipe for 46 common managerial situations (Chapter 7). He could have ended there, but part 3 is where the real message lies.
In part 3, he revealed a few methodologies of Tibetan Buddhism studies that placed equal emphasis on bodily control, mind concentration, and theological studies. This approach is sensible. A weak body weakens the mind. If one cannot concentrate, there will be no higher understandings or progress in one's physical skills. Only with both can one achieve the ultimate level of understanding.
Geshe Roach described the simple trick of meditation. I happened to practice a version of it when I was quite young. So many people swear that this is a miracle cure for everything. I know, personally, that it works for insomnia. Meditation first clears your mind. It then allows you to think on one subject, or to plan on one project. With a clear mind, you don't need to write your thoughts down. You remember them. Geshe Roach recommends meditation every morning before the day starts. You would then have a plan for that day. The plan would be aligned with the overall plan for your life.
Simply put, meditation is to grok.
Thanks to WANG HaiLan who made this entry easier to read.