In this episode of Awakening Now, Lama Surya Das explores the transformative practices of Tibetan Buddhism and how we can begin integrating those teachings into our daily lives.
Integrating the Teachings
How can we walk the pathless path and go about integrating the great teachings of Tibetan Buddhism into our lives? Lama Surya Das explores the 10 Paramitas, or transformative practices, which apply to both the inner and outer layers of our being. He talks about how one of the main principles of Dzogchen is undoing the habit of overdoing.
“Beyond action and beyond inaction, the sublime dharma is accomplished.” – Patrul Rinpoche
RamDev shares his take on integrating spiritual practice into daily life on Healing at the Edge Ep. 38
The Six Building Blocks of Spiritual Life (20:55)
Lama Surya Das continues his exploration of integrating the teachings into everyday life. He talks about the goal of just doing what we’re doing while we’re doing it, and going a bit deeper with our practices. Lama covers what he calls the six building blocks of a spiritual life, and shares stories of some post-retreat mindlessness.
“That’s the tantric way to integrate dharma into daily life; everything is grist for the mill of dharma.” – Lama Surya Das
Culture Shock (43:15)
Lama Surya Das takes questions about group practice and re-integrating into society after long retreats. He tells a very funny story about returning from India after a couple years away from home, and the shock his mother experienced upon seeing him. Lama talks about how important it is to have some integration time at the end of a long retreat.
“That was more of a culture shock, coming back from India, than the three year retreat itself.” – Lama Surya Das
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