Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living
By dougnau on Jul 17, 2009 in Book Reviews, Personal Growth, Spiritual Coaching
Background
Lama Surya Das, is a widely published Tibetan Buddhist spiritual teacher, with his roots originating from New York American culture. Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living
Book Review & Commentary
Personally, I’ve got no formal education in Buddhist teachings. I have, however, been introduced to many of its spiritual principles through a variety of sources ranging from spiritual coach training programs to stress management consulting certifications. Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living was an excellent choice for a book which helped me better understand the framework of these Buddhist principles to which I have been introduced. Lama Surya Das spends the bulk of the book discussing the 10 Paramitas which he also calls the 10 principles of enlightened living, the 10 transformative practices, the 10 perfections. Perhaps its just the verbiage used in translation of text, yet I’ve seen these described differently in other materials. Regardless, in the context of this book they are:
- Generosity
- Ethical Self Discipline
- Patience
- Effort/Courage
- Meditation/Mindfulness
- Wisdom
- Skillful Means
- Spiritual Aspirations
- Higher Accomplishments
- Awakened Awareness
Lama Surya Das explains in detail what is meant by each of these Paramitas and how to accomplish these translated into a 21st century Western context.
What I most appreciated about the way this book is structured (and this is well in alignment with what I do know about Buddhist teachings), is the theme that altruism is the greater goal – not religious conversion. He speaks candidly of the path of the Bodhisattva and one’s role in today’s world, without necessarily framing the work of a Bodhisattva into a religious context. What I mean by this is that this book is founded upon spirituality itself, not in personal belief. The 10 Paramitas can be performed by Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Muslims and atheists alike. And he also emphasizes that people of all backgrounds have achieved the state of Bodhisattva (described as the one on the path to enlightenment who’s role is to enlighten others). There’s no discussion of God or ways one must worship, rather the book discusses the fundamental core virtues and principles that are in alignment with spiritual living.
Lama Surya Das fills the book with examples of the application of these teachings and offers suggestions as to how to live in alignment with each. For example, he explains generosity – what it means to be generous, and when generosity is being misused (ie: spoiling a child). One other suggestion he offered that I highly resonated with was to ‘lean into difficulties’ rather than to avoid them. This is the path of the most growth.
Who is this book for?
Anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism, or simply spiritual principles in general will find this book interesting and thought provoking. Even those with a strong affiliation with an alternate religion will find this book to be tastefully accommodating to their personal beliefs. If you’re looking at learning about the 10 Paramitas in great detail, this is definitely the book to pick, but if you are looking for a general history of Buddhism, while the book has glimpses into this, it is more of an explanation of its spiritual teachings.
- Buy the Book Here: Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living (Paperback)
- Buy the Audio Book Here: Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living (Audio Book)
Be Well
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