Keeping the Dharma Is More Than Looking for Success
Interview with Arne Schaefer JDPSN, who strives for mindfulness ecologically and economically with his Berlin-based small business.
Primary Point talks to the teacher about competition and common wealth orientation, about the concept of “success” and about being able to let go. Whether his business, Mindful Sweets, can make the world a better place may be left open to interpretation. What is certain, however, is that small businesses also create good jobs for people, but at the same time having employees means a lot of responsibility, as Arne painfully recounts.
The interview was conducted on June 16, 2023 via Zoom by Martin Regener.
Primary Point: I read on our webpage about you: You are trying to combine Buddhism and being a business leader. What does this mean to you?
Arne Schaefer JDPSN: It is not only about Buddhism, but about being responsible in this world. The topic has been important to me for a while. As a consumer I have always tried to create a low negative impact on the planet. As a member of an industrial family, I decided not to join the tradition but instead follow my own intuition. Today I sell gummy bears and call them “Buddha Bears” to bring something positive into the world. They are organic and vegan. The small business is focused on the common good, and is so far successful in this niche.
PP: How do you define success?
Schaefer PSN: Not merely financial success—in that field I am just kind of successful. It is more about keeping up with suppliers, the workforce, and customers. We don’t just focus on ourselves, but on the whole. All the partners I work with share the view of being oriented on common wealth, what we call common wealth orientation.
PP: This is something I know from practice: “Why do you do this and that?” “For you!” or “For us!” Is your business nonprofit?
Schaefer PSN: No. Not nonprofit, but it is not oriented on profits, but rather on success for all. The question of becoming nonprofit has arisen for me, and maybe I will change into that later, especially when I retire and hand the company over to somebody in the same spirit.
Acting together instead of competing
PP: To me, it seems like the orientation on common wealth is the core of what we are talking about here. It reminds me most of what we are doing on the cushion in our practice. Do you agree?
Schaefer PSN: Yes, and I strive to improve every day. Our bank is the ecological GLS bank, which invests its money only in sustainable and ecological projects. Our suppliers, staff, and customers share the same spirit, and it is a joy to be working in this environment, in which we can agree on the same values. When I attend a fair with other organic producers, there is an atmosphere of acting together instead of competing. Anyone who works with us is included in our trying to improve everyone’s situation, to be fair and not focus only on our own advantage. It is not always easy, because the market is under pressure especially now since all the prices went up and other businesses are starting up. For example, now we have to compete with the conventional trade with the large supermarket chains and discounters who are hoping for better margins with higher priced organic products.
PP: Is this problematic to you? If I heard that a big retailer was putting organic food onto their shelves, and starting to act for the common good, I would be happy. Is that greenwashing to you? Do you think these chains are greenwashing their image?
Schaefer PSN: The truth is that they will come regardless. It looks like they only meet the minimum requirements to participate in the organic market. Organic is not part of their DNA, as it is with all the smaller organic market participants, who have deliberately built up this sector since the 1970s as an alternative to this existing trade. They also see that something has to change fundamentally in the way we deal with our food production and food supply, but it is not their core understanding of economic activity taking into account all market participants in the sense of an orientation toward the common good. For them, it’s more of an add-on business. They get to call themselves organic, and can now offer organic products to their customers. At the same time, it is good if organic products reach more people, and we have to wait and see how it develops. I live in the middle of Berlin, and there are plenty of organic stores within walking distance. It’s different in the countryside, where there are often only the usual supermarkets. So how do you connect those customers to the green business?
PP: What if the bigger stores took over their portfolio and offered it at competitive prices?
Schaefer PSN: I'm glad this is happening now, with more customers who can shop organic. I am a little concerned about the suppliers and the whole idea behind it. The discounters look primarily at the price and do not have the spirit with which the organic stores once started as a counter-movement.
PP: I remember going to organic stores with good intentions, but finding half-rotten fruit and vegetables because not enough people bought produce at such stores.
Schaefer PSN: This happened most probably not only because of a possible lack of customers, but also because organically oriented farmers do not use chemicals to improve fertilization and the mere appearance of the products. But things were different back then. Business practices and living standards are changing, and I wonder if I will still be in the right place when supermarket chains get into the organic business that is emerging.
Keeping “try mind” and a broad vision
PP: You have talked about what you do and how you do it. Can you say that you have made an impact on the business?
Schaefer PSN: All I can say is that I feel well-being in my place. Being with people focused on common wealth orientation makes me happy. I am satisfied that I am acting in this market, being able to turn things into the right direction, being fair with everyone.
PP: So being oriented toward common wealth is the value that drives you in your work life? Would you recommend that to other entrepreneurs?
Schaefer PSN: Absolutely. Before entering the organic business, I was a business coach and experienced how it is to be in a competitive environment and what pressure it creates. My way includes all people engaged, not only profits and customers. Right now, after the pandemic and with all the struggles we face, I am in a more challenging situation again. I had to let go of one of my staff. It was important to me to let go of her in a spirit of trust and cooperation. My dharma is helping me to cope with difficulties, keeping “try mind,” keeping a broad vision, and being able to let go. Even if the company fails, I will let it go. I would be sad but accept it. Keeping the dharma is more than looking for success. It’s easy when things go well, but when times get hard is when our dharma shows.
PP: You have been doing this for a long time now. What is your conclusion?
Schaefer PSN: Well, as far as this little company is concerned, that's only thirteen years. It’s not an eternity, just part of my lifetime. By now, I can say I am happy about what I have done and what I do. Being with the people I work with on all levels fulfills me.
PP: Thank you for your insights!
Schaefer PSN: I am grateful for your interest!