-16%

Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living — Mysticism

Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living — photo 1

Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living — photo 2

Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living — photo 3

📖 Have you read this book?

Your review can inspire others to read it

🌌 Mysticism −16%

Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living

Name: Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living
Price: 24.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Das, Lama Surya
ISBN: 9781591795599

✍️ Das, Lama Surya

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review) 70 sold

$24.99 ~~$29.95~~ Save $4.96 (16%)

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Lama Surya Das, a revered American-born Tibetan Buddhist teacher, presents a compelling guide to embodying the Bodhisattva ideal. This work moves beyond theoretical understanding, offering concrete methods for integrating Buddhist principles into everyday life. It illuminates the path of an "Awakener," someone dedicated to the highest good for all beings. Readers will explore the ten paramitas—foundational virtues like generosity and wisdom—and learn how to actively cultivate them, transforming spiritual aspiration into tangible, beneficial action in their communities and beyond.

Das, Lama Surya

📚 all books by this author (2) →

🌌

Mysticism

🏛 Sounds True 📅 2007 📖 4 pages 📐 Compact Disc ISBN: 9781591795599

Fun Fact

Lama Surya Das effectively demystifies the Bodhisattva path, making it remarkably accessible and actionable for modern seekers. While deeply rooted in Buddhist wisdom, its practical focus on compassionate action resonates universally. Those seeking a purely academic or philosophical treatise on Buddhism might find its self-help orientation too direct. However, for anyone eager to translate spiritual principles into tangible service and personal transformation, this book stands out as an inspiring and essential guide in contemporary spiritual literature.

📝 Description: Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living

Of all the Buddha's teachings, perhaps his greatest gift can be found in "the Bodhisattva ideal," a template for living in the world as an "Awakener," a servant of the highest good for all. With his previous bestsellers including Awakening the Buddha Within (300,000 copies sold; Broadway, 1997), American-born Tibetan Buddhist teacher Lama Surya Das has made the helpful, healing insights of the Buddha accessible to millions. Now, with Buddha Is As Buddha Does, he helps listeners to discover: - How to become a Bodhisattva, a peacemaking spiritual warrior, an embodiment of wise compassion in action - How to actively practice the ten paramitas in daily life: generosity, ethics, patience, energetic effort, meditation, wisdom, skillful means, higher aspiration, powers, and pristine awareness - The Seven Jewels of the Bodhisattva: Faith and Devotion, Self-Discipline, Discriminating Wisdom, Charity, Learning, Honesty, and Modesty - Inspirational lessons from history's legendary Bodhisattvas including Tara, Avalokitesvara, and Manjushri--plus contemporary examples of enlightened action based on the realization of the oneness of all life "As long as there is suffering in the world, there is spiritual work to do," explains Lama Surya Das. "We are the Bodhisattvas, the future Buddhas of this world." With Buddha Is As Buddha Does, listeners will experience the fruits of the Buddha's greatest lessons. An original author adaptation of bestselling author Lama Surya Das' newest book, welcoming practitioners from all traditions to the fundamental teachings and transformative practices of Buddha's guide to enlightenment and spiritual revolution.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Lama Surya Das offers a robust manual for integrating the ten paramitas into modern existence. The text excels in providing concrete methods for cultivating virtues like generosity and wisdom, effectively moving beyond mere theoretical discussion. However, readers seeking deep academic analysis of Tibetan history or complex philosophical debates may find the approach too practical and accessible. It is also likely unsuitable for those who prefer solitary, silent retreats over active community engagement. The book’s strength lies in its call to compassionate action, making it a vital resource for practitioners ready to apply their faith outwardly. While not dense with scholarly citations, its clarity and warmth make the path of the 'Awakener' feel achievable and urgent.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is ideal for seekers who feel stuck in the gap between spiritual theory and daily reality. If you desire to transform abstract Buddhist concepts into tangible, compassionate action, Lama Surya Das provides the necessary framework. It appeals to those ready to become 'spiritual warriors' dedicated to the highest good of all beings. Readers will find practical methods to cultivate the ten paramitas, turning personal aspiration into community benefit. It is perfect for anyone seeking to embody the Bodhisattva ideal without remaining isolated in meditation. By focusing on awakened action, this guide helps you navigate everyday life with wisdom and generosity, making spirituality a dynamic, living force rather than a static belief system.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're a spiritual seeker weary of passive contemplation and eager for a path of active service, this book is for you. Discover how to integrate profound Buddhist wisdom into your daily life, transforming personal growth into a force for global good and becoming a true "Awakener."

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Lama Surya Das offers a robust manual for integrating the ten paramitas into modern existence. The text excels in providing concrete methods for cultivating virtues like generosity and wisdom, effectively moving beyond mere theoretical discussion. However, readers seeking deep academic analysis of Tibetan history or complex philosophical debates may find the approach too practical and accessible. It is also likely unsuitable for those who prefer solitary, silent retreats over active community engagement. The book’s strength lies in its call to compassionate action, making it a vital resource for practitioners ready to apply their faith outwardly. While not dense with scholarly citations, its clarity and warmth make the path of the 'Awakener' feel achievable and urgent.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It's a foundational Mahayana Buddhist concept representing an enlightened being who vows to delay their own final nirvana to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment, acting as a compassionate "Awakener" in the world.

These are ten perfections or virtues that a Bodhisattva cultivates: generosity, ethical conduct, patience, energetic effort, meditation, wisdom, skillful means, higher aspiration, spiritual powers, and pristine awareness.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Bodhisattva Ideal

This book delves into the profound concept of the Bodhisattva, presenting it not as a distant aspiration but as a practical template for living. It guides readers to become "Awakeners," individuals committed to serving the collective good through wise compassion and active engagement, rather than solely pursuing personal enlightenment.

Practicing the Ten Paramitas

A central focus is the active cultivation of the ten paramitas—perfections such as generosity, ethical conduct, patience, and meditative focus. The text offers clear guidance on how these ancient virtues can be intentionally practiced and embodied in daily routines, transforming abstract principles into lived experience and tangible benefit.

Contemporary Enlightened Action

Lama Surya Das bridges ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern life, showcasing how the Bodhisattva path is deeply relevant today. He provides examples of how the realization of interconnectedness can inspire and fuel compassionate action in our contemporary world, fostering peace and collective well-being in practical ways.

📜 Historical context

The Bodhisattva ideal, originating in Mahayana Buddhism, represents a profound shift from individual liberation to universal salvation. Unlike the Arhat who seeks personal nirvana, the Bodhisattva postpones their own enlightenment to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings, embodying boundless compassion and wisdom through selfless action.

📚 Glossary

Bodhisattva
Paramitas
Awakener

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might practicing one of the ten paramitas, like generosity or patience, transform a specific challenge in your daily life?
Consider a contemporary issue you feel passionate about. How could you apply the Bodhisattva ideal to become an "Awakener" in that context?
Reflect on moments when you've witnessed or embodied "enlightened action." What motivated these actions, and what was their impact?