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a christian came into my work today....
so I work in nutrition and this lady came into my store asking for something to cover up drugs for an upcoming drug test. (of course I have many products that will cover something up) But I told her the fact that she had told me that it was to cover up signs of drug use I could not sell her any. so She told me it was not for her but for a loved one that she did not want to see go to jail. I told her no sorry but go try somewhere else. she than told me that she was on her way to church and that I should go to hell for I have no compassion. Things to take into consideration is the fact that I could lose my job. was I in the wrong for not having enough compassion to help her out?
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It is also illegal to assist someone in the commission of a crime, whatever our personal opinion regarding the relative seriousness of that crime.
I think you did the right (but not easy) thing.
I've been prosecuted myself for possession of illegal drugs in the past and blame no one but my own silly self!
For what it's worth Brandon, I somehow doubt that you'll be going to Hell over this.
Lady wants to not Dabble in drugs, Do nothing wrong have no fear.
No. That would have been idiot compassion.
Compounding the problem, not solving it.
her lashing out at you was simply a mark of her own fear, not a justified statement.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear that you had to have that experience, Brandon, but I think you did just fine.
Blessings and metta.
Compassion depends on motivation - not specific actions. If you didn't sell her what she wanted, because you wanted to harm her, then I could see a lack of compassion.... but not the way you describe it.
And another thing. According to most Christians beliefs, we as god denying Buddhist (especially Buddhist who converted from Christianity to Buddhism - because we apparently should know better) are all going to hell.
This means that hell apparently is a place where Buddhists meet after death - and what do we call such a place? PURE LAND! hahahahaha
Much love
Samten
In many places it is illegal to sell products specifically designed to deceive or provide false results to drug tests. I assume the products you mention that could potentially do so are not marketed as such (ie detoxifying, cleansing, or other similar terms). I believe that you would be prohibited from providing a product in response to an illegal request for such an item.
You can still generate strong compassion for someone without providing them with exactly what they want. Parents have compassion for their children, so when they don't let them have candy for breakfast and the child cries, they still feel compassion even if they're denying them treats. They know it is better for their child to have a healthy diet and are actually preventing further pain from a potential tummy ache from their misguided desires. In the same way a loved one will deny a drug addict money to feed their fix, even if they are hurting from withdrawal.
You can generate compassion for all parties involved. They are all suffering.
So don't feel bad, you were doing your job and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. Hope this helps
What came to mind is the precept about avoiding intoxication. What about the person who never consumes alcohol, but finds work as a bartender?
Some of the people consuming alcohol would consume in moderation and some would get intoxicated and still others would drive an auto into someone/something while impaired.
Legal issues aside this seems an interesting moral dilemma.
The OP is essentially a bartender in this case. The product itself doesn't result in intoxication, but it enables intoxication with reduced risk of some consequences. In this case the OP knew the intended use of the product and thus didn't sell it, but at the same time the OP works in a field where the product will be sold to those who will use it for the same purpose. The OP may not know which customers will use it for that purpose, but does know that some of them will.
So, I suppose my question for the OP would be 'Why work in the field at all?' If one has an answer supporting working in the field then why be selective in who the product is sold to unless it's a legal matter?
I don't expect or need any answers to the questions. They are just the questions that come to my own mind.
as for the controversy as to why we sell products to cover up drug use. It is very much like medications. They all have a positive use but people find uses for intoxication. With cleansers if you are constantly sick to your stomach than a cleanser will help you greatly by flushing out any unwanted toxins out of your liver therefor cleansing your blood. (this is exactly how they market it as well) Since they are flushing out toxins that includes traces of alcohol, THC ect. This is why we are able to sell it unless we suspect evading a government test.
Thanks for the details, Brandon!
Well, look at it this way: Your experiences today are serving to help you really understand how important Right Livelihood is on the path.
I used to sell cars for a living (didn't know a thing about Buddhism at the time). Hated the job, but it was either that or not provide a roof over my family's heads. Now that I have a job that doesn't require me to dance with unethical behavior I am very grateful.
Certainly I can have a lot of compassion for those trapped in a job where they struggle to remain ethical.
Seriously, you did exactly the right thing. Good on ya!
Mtns
However, when the revelers saw the nun, the room went dead silent. She walked up to the bartender, and asked, May I please use the restroom?" The bartender nervously replied, "I really don't think you should."
Why not?" the nun asked. Well, there is a life-size statue of a naked man in there, and his most private parts are covered only by a fig leaf." Nonsense," said the nun, "I'll just look the other way."
So the bartender showed the nun the door at the top of the stairs, and she proceeded to the restroom. After a few minutes, she came back out, and the whole place washopping with music and dancing again. However, they did stop just long enough to give the nun a loud round of applause.
She walked up to the bartender and said, "Sir, I don't understand. Why did they applaud for me just because I went to the restroom?"
Well, because now they know you're one of us," said the bartender. "Would you like a drink?"
But, I still don't understand," said the puzzled nun.
You see," laughed the bartender,"every time the fig leaf on that statue is lifted up, the lights go out in the whole place. Now, how about that drink?"
you started it mountains.... not me. i wasn't even going this direction till now
I'll not attach to her, just let go like unclenching a fist. She will disappear just like an illusion and I feel no bad feelings, just compassion for her.
...no, no; that would have been to cruel. Dunno, I think I wouldn't have had your patience and to tell her that If she really loved him, then she would help him to overcome his problem and to make him suffer fully the consequences of his wrongdoing so he could grab a sense of what he really did.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tQM1ZeOhs_U/RsUnSG88v1I/AAAAAAAAAUY/v0A52nA7M-E/LeonidasBanner-300.jpg
Yes, drug and alcohol abuse is damaging. Not everyone who consumes trivial amounts of either are damaged, most are doing just fine. 100% intolerance is simply not based on any sound research.
Please support education and safety, but not the reactionary intolerance that creates far more suffering than good.
http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/Controversies/1124913901.html