One of the most learned and highly trained American-born lamas in the Tibetan Dzogchen tradition. He is a meditation teacher and author.
Alissa C.: What are the best resources to use when starting the journey of learning the Buddhist way? Reading has been my sole educator but I feel as though I need more. What do you recommend? Any books you recommend (not to worry I am in the process of reading all of yours 😉
Lama Surya Das: Reading is fine, to begin with. There’s plenty to learn and be inspired by. In fact there’s a whole new movement or wing of Buddhism which I lovingly call Bookstore Buddhism, which often but not always includes soft chairs and cappuccino or chai while immersing oneself in sacred texts.
However, to go deeper we need to explore too the experiential side of the timeless yet timely path of spiritual love, fellowship, enlightened living and ultimate awakening. We can do this through learning how to meditate and cultivate mindfulness, introspection, loving-kindness and active empathic compassion. We may want and even need to get out of our heads and into the holy nowness through yoga, sacred music, chanting and prayer, and so forth, all of which is— not unlike sports— best learned from instructors and group activities rather than merely through books. try to find a sympathetic spiritual friend , teacher or community in your area to help further your pilgrim’s progress. Take the opportunity this life offers to truly make the heroic journey of enlightenment! It’s rare to find anyone who can do it all alone. God luck!
Submitted by Alissa C. Via Facebook on September 7th.
