Following the Tavistock tradition of psychoanalytic thinking, object relations theory, group relations training, and a systems psychodynamic approach to the study of organisational life, I broaden that perspective to inquire into the relevance of an upsurge of interest in Buddhist philosophy and practice, with its influence on mindfulness programmes to counter stress in contemporary life, as well as classical philosophy, for example Stoic writings on material success and attitudes to mortality. Why this interest at this time? What are we looking to learn?