An engaging exploration of what makes work meaningful, by a popular Buddhist monk and cultural commentator

In our hectic days filled with long hours, endless emails, and tedious virtual meetings, it’s hard to stay connected to the higher purpose of work – to see past the grind and embrace what we’re really trying to achieve.

In this engaging and illuminating book, Japanese Buddhist monk Shoukei Matsumoto offers a fresh take on what it means to find satisfaction at work. Presented in the form of an imagined conversation between a Western businessperson and a temple priest, this far-ranging exploration covers everything from embracing simplicity and communicating with clarity to the importance of daily rituals, insights on avoiding burnout, and even what it means to be a good ancestor. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient wisdom and contemporary ideas – all thoughtfully presented in the context of modern daily life.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, this meaningful guide offers a fresh perspective, and more intentional way forward.

About The Author

Shoukei Matsumoto is a Buddhist monk at the Komjoji Temple in Tokyo. He was ordained in 2003 in Jodo Shinshu, a school of Pure Land Buddhism, and is the founder of Virtual Temple “HIGANJI”, one of the most popular websites for Buddhists in Japan. He has published more than five books in Japanese, with A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind translated into over fifteen languages. He was nominated as a member of Young Global Leaders 2013 at the World Economic Forum.