BJ Gallagher | Press Release

Katie Sheehan Posted by Katie Sheehan, Associate Director of Communications, Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.



Being Buddha at Work

101 Ancient Truths on Change, Stress, Money, and Success

by Franz Metcalf and BJ Gallagher

Dalai Lama Writes Foreword for New Book that Shows Readers How to Use Buddhist Lessons to Solve Problems at Work


“The ultimate purpose of the Buddha’s teachings is to serve and benefit humanity, which entails applying them in practice in our day to day lives …This book, Being Buddha at Work, attempts to relate the Buddha’s advice to the modern workplace. I trust that readers will find inspiration here and pray that those who do will meet with success in putting that inspiration into effect.”

- His Holiness The Dalai Lama in the foreword to Being Buddha at Work


San Francisco, CA - Stress is a major component in the daily lives of Americans, especially at work. In Being Buddha at Work: 108 Ancient Truths on Change, Stress, Money and Success (Berrett-Koehler; February 2012; paperback; $14.95; ISBN 9781609942922), authors Franz Metcalf and BJ Gallagher use Buddhism to deal with everyday problems and manage stress. By teaching practical skills and coping techniques, Buddha’s lessons can ease stress, increase personal and professional happiness, build a better self-esteem, and foster positive work experiences and relationships.

The Buddha was a human being that struggled through life and founded a system of thought - the Buddhist tradition - that provides helpful, practical answers to typical human situations. Metcalf and Gallagher explore 108 different dilemmas that people encounter and offer solutions that are rooted in Buddha’s teachings. Some situations and problems covered are:

  • Multitasking
  • Planning for Retirement
  • Changing Careers
  • Dealing with Jerks
  • Office Rumors
  • Office Romances
  • Dealing with Power Struggles
  • Outsourcing

The Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet, in the foreword to Being Buddha at Work, emphasizes that the Buddha’s teachings are meant to aid people in their everyday lives.

Today, many of the problems people face are in the workplace. Even in these modern times, Buddha’s practical teachings remain relevant as solutions. These solutions are all focused on what the individual can do to solve everyday problems. As a result, the solutions to problems lie in the mind of the reader. Buddha’s emphasis on individualism translates into the workplace because it teaches not to stress about things outside the reader’s control. By focusing on things that are controllable, readers can improve work performance and alleviate stress and anxiety. By using these lessons, readers can get closer to success and satisfaction - in their careers, personal lives, and futures.

About the Authors

Franz Metcalf is the author of several books on Buddhism, and an instructor in comparative religion at the California State University, Los Angeles. He also serves as book review editor of The Journal of Global Buddhism and is editor of the Forge Institute.

B.J. Gallagher is a sociologist, speaker, accomplished management consultant, and workplace leader who has worked with many corporate clients, professional associations, and government agencies. BJ and her books have been featured on CBS Evening News, The Today Show, Fox News, PBS, CNN, and she is quoted weekly in newspapers, magazines, and websites, including O the Oprah Magazine, Redbook, Woman’s World, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Careerbuilder.com, MSNBC.com, CNN.com, and huffingtonpost.com.


Being Buddha At Work

101 Ancient Truths on Change, Stress, Money, and Success

By Franz Metcalf and BJ Gallagher

Berrett-Koehler Publishers

February 2012

Paperback, $14.95; 176 pages

ISBN: 978-1-60994-292-2