The Way of Meditation Blog
Bringing Ancient Wisdom Into The Modern World
A Meditation Master's Zen Commandments
Lama Surya Das • May 15, 2019
13 Zen Commandments
Dzogchen Master Lama Surya Das is a somewhat eccentric teacher ordained within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He teachers in a down to earth and entertaining style that resonates with the modern person. He often translates ancient teachings into memorable sayings, he is always fresh and spontaneous and loves to laugh.
He is also a brilliant mediation teacher and with his deep insight into an ancient Buddhist tradition he guides westerners along the path to happiness and enlightenment through meditation.
1) Take care, stay aware. Watch your step. Pay attention—it pays off.
2) Awaken your mind, open your heart and energize yourself. Learn to see clearly and love generously.
3) Find a way to live your own spiritual practice. Develop an ongoing spiritual life, not just a few spiritual experiences.
4) Don’t see others’ light. Exploit your own innate natural resources for a change. Mine the mind.
5) Freedom is a process, not just an idea or ideal outcome. Progress is more important than perfection.
He is also a brilliant mediation teacher and with his deep insight into an ancient Buddhist tradition he guides westerners along the path to happiness and enlightenment through meditation.
1) Take care, stay aware. Watch your step. Pay attention—it pays off.
2) Awaken your mind, open your heart and energize yourself. Learn to see clearly and love generously.
3) Find a way to live your own spiritual practice. Develop an ongoing spiritual life, not just a few spiritual experiences.
4) Don’t see others’ light. Exploit your own innate natural resources for a change. Mine the mind.
5) Freedom is a process, not just an idea or ideal outcome. Progress is more important than perfection.
) Learn to accept, to let go, and let be. Allow.
7) Lighten up while enlightening up. Cultivate joy. Don’t take yourself too seriously, or it won’t be much fun.
8) Don’t cling to anything. Recognize everything is impermanent and like a dream, a movie, a sitcom. Remember the daily mantra: This Too Shall Pass.
9) Not too tight, and not too loose. Stay attuned to the big picture.
10) Be mindful. Pay attention. Keep your eyes peeled. Be vigilant and intelligent about your experiments with reality.
11) Be here while getting there, every single step of the way.
12) Don’t rely on mere words and concepts. Just say maybe.
13) Don’t be deceived by ideas and opinions, either others’ or your own. You just can’t believe whatever you think.
Life is precious; handle with prayer.
Be good and do good.
It’s now or never, as always.
Meditate as fast as you can.
7) Lighten up while enlightening up. Cultivate joy. Don’t take yourself too seriously, or it won’t be much fun.
8) Don’t cling to anything. Recognize everything is impermanent and like a dream, a movie, a sitcom. Remember the daily mantra: This Too Shall Pass.
9) Not too tight, and not too loose. Stay attuned to the big picture.
10) Be mindful. Pay attention. Keep your eyes peeled. Be vigilant and intelligent about your experiments with reality.
11) Be here while getting there, every single step of the way.
12) Don’t rely on mere words and concepts. Just say maybe.
13) Don’t be deceived by ideas and opinions, either others’ or your own. You just can’t believe whatever you think.
Life is precious; handle with prayer.
Be good and do good.
It’s now or never, as always.
Meditate as fast as you can.
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