Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living – A Practical Guide to Buddhist Wisdom with Exercises and Timeless Advice

by Surya Das

In the book you now hold, national bestselling author Lama Surya Das offers a thorough map to the richest treasure a human being can find—the Buddha's advice for living to your true potential. Appropriate for new seekers as well as experienced practitioners, and accompanied by lively anecdotes and practical exercises, this is one of the most accessible books to date on the ancient and timeless wisdom of the Buddha. Buddha Is as Buddha Does is for everyone who seeks to become a better person and share in the bounty of true Buddha nature.

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Self Help, Zen

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

About the author

Lama Surya Das is one of the foremost Western Buddhist meditation teachers and scholars, one of the main interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism in the West, and a leading spokesperson for the emerging American Buddhism. The Dalai Lama affectionately calls him “The Western Lama.”

His most recent book is Make Me One with Everything: Buddhist Meditations to Awaken from the Illusion of Separation. He is well known for his internationally bestselling Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World and the sequels in the “Awakening” trilogy, Awakening to the Sacred: Creating a Spiritual Life from Scratch and Awakening the Buddhist Heart: Integrating Love, Meaning and Connection into Every Part of Your Life. His other books include:

Buddha Standard Time: Awakening to the Infinite Possibilities of Now
The Mind Is Mightier Than the Sword: Enlightening the Mind, Opening the Heart
Natural Radiance: Awakening to Your Great Perfection
Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Transformative Practices of Enlightened Living
The Big Questions: How to Find Your Own Answers to Life’s Essential Mysteries
Letting Go of the Person You Used to Be
Awakening the Buddhist Heart: Integrating Love, Meaning,
Natural Great Perfection: Dzogchen Teachings and Vajra Songs, with Nyoshul Khenpo
The Snow Lion’s Turquoise Mane: Wisdom Tales from Tibet

Lama Surya Das has spent over forty years studying Zen, Vipassana, yoga, and Tibetan Buddhism with the great masters of Asia, including the Dalai Lama’s own teachers. He is an authorized lama and lineage holder in the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism, and a personal disciple of the leading grand lamas of that tradition. He is the founder of the Dzogchen Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts and its branch centers around the United States. Surya has brought many Tibetan lamas to this country to teach and start centers and retreats over the years. As founder of the Western Buddhist Teachers Network with the Dalai Lama, he regularly helps organize its international Buddhist Teachers Conferences. He is also active in interfaith dialogue and charitable projects in the Third World, and has recently turned his efforts towards youth and contemplative education initiatives, what he calls “True higher education and wisdom for life training.”

As a sought after speaker, Lama Surya Das teaches and lectures around the world, conducting meditation retreats and workshops. He is also a published poet, translator, and chant master. His blog, “Ask the Lama,” can be found at www.askthelama.com and his lecture and retreat schedule are listed on his website www.surya.org. Follow him on Facebook--Lama Surya Das--and Twitter--@LamaSuryaDas.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book breaks down Buddhist practices for the average person just trying to get by in the world. You don't need to travel to Tibet, practice yoga several hours per day, meditate constantly, speak Sanskrit or read sacred Indian texts to get something out of this. It offers suggestions for starting where you are, explains theories in relatively easy to understand methods and includes some simple exercises that anyone can do, such as wishing well each person you pass in a day or using "the four gates" to assist in decision making (asking yourself 1. Is it truthful? 2. Is it helpful? 3. Is it kind? 4. What is my motivation and intention?).

One thing I especially liked about this book is that it answers questions about and recognizes the complexities of real world scenarios. For example, we may think of generosity (something that is written about a great deal in this book) as a willingness to give things away at our own expense or always say yes to someone in need. Not so, according to Lama Surya Das. There is a place for tough love and being generous does not mean screwing ourselves or enabling a loved one.

Although this book is clearly Buddhist, it really does offer ways of thinking about life and our place in the world that can be useful to anyone from any religion or background. Practicing compassion, understanding our ego's role in the dumb things we do, walking around with the intent to make the world a better place, recognize connections between all living beings, letting go of greed and assessing what will truly bring us happiness is never a bad thing for anyone.

I highlighted and wrote all over my copy, because there are several suggestions that can be used by all sorts of people I'll meet in therapy practice that will simply provide a healthier way of assessing their world, work and relationship options and ways of thinking about themselves.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book last night and boy was I glad to finish.

I normally LOVE LOVE LOVE Lama Surya Das.

This book covers the 10 perfections. I was over it about the 7th perfection.

I did truly love the first part of the book but tired of it.

When I picked up this book, I was really needing a spiritual kick in the ass which it did provide me.

I feel more on track and in balance after reading it but I didn't enjoy it as much as other books I've read of his.

[Lisa W · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all “shlepping towards Nirvana,” says Brooklyn Jewish Tibetan Buddhist Lama Surya Das…

This audio book offers useful and practical layout of Buddhist principles…more of an overview. Inspires me to attend a Tibetan Buddhist retreat to go deeper.

Liked how Concentration is King - how meditation teaches you to concentrate better.

[Mike Zickar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of solid teaching here. . .

[Victoria]

First half was inspirational, be a better person. Good to read. The second half started getting into flying yogis and mind reading. Then it descended into the nitty gritty of Buddhism, which I guess I could have seen it coming and that’s what you’re asking for in this very in depth book. It was well written and the author has a very large vocabulary he likes to flex often. I was ready for it to be done at about the 75% mark.

[Keith Willcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is touted as a practical guide to wise living. The author has an extensive experience in Buddhist philosophy and practice and by melding this background with his knowledge of western society and it's own brand of self awareness techniques he has created a rather wonderful book.

Each chapter develops a themes such as Ethical Self Discipline; The Power of Heroic Effort; The Transcendental Gift of Generosity and so forth and, lest we should get too comfortable lolling on our meditation cushion listening to the discourse we are challenged at the end of each chapter to put the teachings into practice. I found myself using it as a kind of workbook, reading a chapter at a time, reflecting on it and attempting the practical applications as suggested.

The book is so packed with good stuff that at times I felt the need to pause, come up for air, perhaps read a Harry Potter book or two, but there are no vacations here. We are on the Bodhisatva Path and while we are encouraged to take it all lightly and smile at our misfortunes the message is for real, Don't Waste Your Life. The magic necessary to escape this world of suffering is within each of us. The goal is to recognize the Buddha within and without. The time is now.

For those of us who like simple wisdom there are lots of stories and anecdotes from the author's life, all of them used to bring color and texture to the teachings. When I began to read this book my heart gave a little jump of joy for I felt that I was meeting an old friend, a friend that I had not recognized before even though he had always been walking very close to me on the same Path.

[Forked Radish · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Bodhisattva is as Bodhisattva Does" would be a better title for this book. Since it focuses on the "latter day saints" of Mahayana Buddhism as opposed to original or "Hinayana" Buddhism which is in my opinion the only real Buddhism. It is much like the Catholic pantheon of saints emphasized over and to the detriment of the teaching of Jesus. The idea of bodhisattvas helping others to enlightenment is completely opposed to what Siddhārtha Gautama said: "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path." Siddhārtha Gautama also rejected the foolish concept of karma which is antithetical to true altruism since it offers the promise of a reward. E.g. "accumulating meritorious good karma and powerful blessings." & "what goes around comes around" The author's literacy also comes into question when he confuses redaction with reiteration, uses phenomenon when he should have used phenomena, and doesn't seem to know what meretricious means. Additionally, that "spiritual contentment is the ultimate form of wealth" is the ultimate form of oxymoronic idiocy... Lastly, it's all too obvious that if Buddha books weren't profitable Mr. Das would probably be a sleazy stock broker.
Afterwords: The aphorism "Virtue is its own reward" doesn't mean that virtue has a reward, but that virtue has no reward, whatsoever. In fact, virtue can often be extremely detrimental to its practitioner. It can even get him crucified! Otherwise, it wouldn't be true virtue but just a prudent investment. Speaking of investments, I really feel that you can't go wrong adding a few thousand shares of Consolidated Pork Bellies to your portfolio.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wavered between a 3 and a 4 rating on this one. I finally wound up with a 4, because I think part of my issue with this book is that it took me so flipping long to read it, and I lost track of the overall theme. Not the author's fault. Lama Surya Das (or as I will now always think of him, "Jeff from Brooklyn") has an engaging voice, and presents the attributes and practices of a bodhisattva in an encouraging, conversational way. Probably not the first book anyone should read about Buddhism, but could easily be a second.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in '09 in Brooklyn.

As with most things eastern, it's one of those "every time you pick it up, it'll have a slightly deeper/different meaning than before" books.

I have it on my most prominent shelf in my living room now. Just so I open it up and review as often as I think to.

[Leslyevans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a practical and beautiful guide for being a better human being, and not just for the Buddhist crowd. Buy it immediately!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried so hard to get into this but other from grabbing a few tidbits of information that resonated, I had a really hard time. The author shares the original ten practices for enlightened living and goes through each one as well as explaining how to be Bodhisattva's in life whether practising Buddhism or not.
It was good to know that anyone can be a Bodhisattva and not being a practising Buddhist and it comforts me to know that I have many of these people in my life and I am as well. I did like how he incorporated other religions into his writing and didn't disregard other people's beliefs.
I guess this book was coming to me at the wrong time and for me it was a step above dry and I kind of slogged through it.

[ˋ°•☆&;josie.ೃ࿐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical guide full of anecdotes, poems and stories from one of the foremost Western teachers of Dzogchen Buddhism.

This book is geared towards applying Buddhist practices, philosophy and beliefs to living in the constantly changing and challenging social conditions of modern life. A simple and sweet approach with opportunities for self-reflection and a deeper understanding of Buddhism in general.

Highly recommend for people who want an in depth but highly accessible approach to Buddhist philosophy designed to expand your perception and lighten the mind.

[Danielle Shroyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent ten months slowly going through this book, chapter by chapter. Each month I practiced a paramita and blogged about it at beasoulninja.com. This has been a powerful experience and this book above all others has shepherded me through this practice. I’m grateful for Lama Surya Das’ wise teaching and practical application. Highly recommend.

[Amanda Rahimian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! This really gave me a good understanding of basic Buddhist beliefs. Other beginner books confused me by using terminology I didn’t understand whereas this book did its best to explain translations of those terms. Highly recommend as a good intro to Buddhism.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lama Surya Das is one of my favorite teachers and he’s a great writer. It took me a long time to finish this book but I’m glad I did. I did a lot of underlining in my copy, especially in the chapter about patience!

[Melissa Etheridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good instruction for beginners.

[Kata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me and Surya became friends. Very much close ones i'd say :)
One of the best reads i have ever experienced.

[H. Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 10, and I need to read every year to refresh.

[Devarshi Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful quotations and engaging lists....superb work

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddhist reflections from a modern-day Buddhist, in a very accessible way.

[Vijayakumar Belur]

Buddha's tenets explained in the modern day context. Basically, any body can be a Buddha if you are aware of the tenets and apply them to your life

[Dayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Four Noble Truths

The truth of suffering (dukkha)
The truth of the cause of suffering (craving)
The truth of the cessation of suffering (stop craving)
The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just started this book. If you're interested in learning more about the Buddist faith, this book breaks down the complex philosophies of Buddism. It's straight-forward and comforting. I recommend reading this when you're ready for something deep. It's not a vacation read. It's a note-taking read.

[Gen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book soothes the soul -- as good as 10 mojitos! If you're looking to change your consciousness in a way that is easy to apply to Western culture (well, let's just say it: American culture), this is a great primer.

[Randy Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitate to say much about this book, as reading a spiritual treatise is even more personal and subjective than reading most books. I'll just say there's a lot to chew on here and I'll almost certainly read it again sometime.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

My copy obtained in Boston and signed by Lama Surya at BookPeople in Austin, Texas.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I have to get this book. Library read it is not for the simple reason that I will need to reference it many times throughout my life :)

[Kissiah]

Only on chapter 5 of 10, but I have already found such impactful take-aways. Lama Surya Das continues to bring it home!

[k8beeZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this one, REALLY a great read.

[Erma Aker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good thought-provoking questions in this book.