by Suba Subramanium

Buddha said:"See yourself in others. Then whom can you hurt? What harm can you do?" 
We can hear the echo of these words in all religious books.
•    Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. - Matthew 7:120
•    "This is the sum of duty; do naught onto others what you would not have them do unto you."   - Mahabharata 5,1517
•    "No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." - 40 Hadith of an-Nawawi 13

And these words are the essence of Lama Surya Das’ teaching.
Lama Surya Das is one of the foremost American Lamas. Born in 1950, Surya Das, is a poet, chant-master, spiritual activist and author of many popular works on Buddhism. Surya Das combines his extensive background and intensive training in Buddhist practices with his remarkable knowledge of other religions, philosophies, and psychology.

Before I move on to the excellent books written by Surya Das let me share with you some of his teachings.

The ‘bow' 
Bowing is a yoga-like practice with many different levels of meaning. When we drop what we have been holding onto, which is required in order to put our palms together and bow; we free ourselves of past and future encumbrances, and our hands are more ready either to help or simply to be at rest. A lot of excess baggage falls away, which is a real relief. We get a chance to enjoy inner peace, at least for that moment.
This is a practice of what Mahatma Gandhi called "ahimsa", which means truth in nonviolence. Bowing makes us vulnerable, humble, simplifies things and helps us arrive more fully and be centered upon the present moment.  Whom then can we harm?

Prayer
One thing people can do, even if they don't believe in God or any religion is pray. Peace prayers, healing prayers, and centering prayers are all a form of meditation.
Anger and its consequence…………………..

The root of war, violence, and aggression is anger, avarice, and cupidity in our own hearts and minds. Nonviolent practices such as forgiveness, peacemaking and reconciliation, vegetarianism, returning negativity with love, have personal, familial, social, and global implications.
Like all emotions, anger is just an emotional internal energy, a matter of conditioning. We can intentionally choose to intervene between the experience of anger and the acting out.

Stumbling Blocks…………………..
Make stumbling blocks into stepping-stones. Never give up. Persistence and diligence.
We can use everything we meet in life as grist for the mill of awakening. This is the "vajra" (diamond) approach, where we transform even the greatest poisons into wisdom.
What I have quoted above are some of Surya Das’ teachings – teachings that can transfer and mould one into a better human being. Let us dwell briefly into some of Lama Surya Das’ books.
Awakening the Buddha Within – this was Surya Das’ first best –selling book. The book will teach you the true nature of Buddhism and prepare you for the journey to enlightenment should you choose to start down the path.

The Mind Is Mightier Than the Sword: Enlightening the Mind, Opening the Heart – this is Surya Das’ latest book. The book portrays an unique approach to a comprehensive guide to the most essential Buddhist teachings.
Words of Wisdom – in this book Lama Surya Das expresses his depth of understanding and bright sense of humor that has made him a prominent and popular spokesman for Buddhism in the West. An ideal book and wisdom treasure for seekers of all faiths.
Some of Lama Surya Das’ other books are…………………..
•    The Big Questions: How to Find Your Own Answers to Life's Essential Mysteries
•    Buddha Is as Buddha Does: The Ten Original Practices for Enlightened Living
•    Natural Radiance: Awakening to Your Great Perfection

Lama Surya Das is one of the well-regarded Buddhist teachers and scholars in America today. His books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and his seminars and retreats are continually in demand. It is his straightforward, accessible, and humorous approach that audiences react so strongly.

Read on and be enlightened!