(1) Weakness of faith combined with strength of intellect
are apt to lead to the error of talkativeness.
(2) Strength of faith combined with weakness of intellect
are apt to lead to the error of narrow-minded dogmatism.
(3) Great zeal without adequate religious instruction is apt
to lead to the error of going to erroneous extremes {or
following misleading paths].
(4) Meditation without sufficient preparation though having
heard and pondered the Doctrine is apt to lead to the error
of losing oneself in the darkness of unconsciousness. [1]
[1] This refers to that mental chaos or delusion which is the
antithesis of the mental discipline acquired by right practice
of yoga under a wise guru's guidance.
(5) Without practical and adequate understanding of the
Doctrine, one is apt to lead to the error of religious
self-conceit.
(6) Unless the mind be trained to selflessness and infinite
compassion, one is apt to lead to the error of seeking liberation
for oneself alone.
(7) Unless the mind be disciplined by knowledge of its
own immaterial nature, one is apt to lead to the error of
diverting all activities along the path of worldliness.
(8) Unless all worldly ambitions be eradicated, one is apt
to fall into the error of allowing oneself to be dominated by
worldly motives.
(9) By permitting credulous and vulgar admirers to congregate
about you, one is liable to fall into the error of becoming
puffed up with worldly pride.
(10) By boasting of one's occult learning and powers, one
is liable to fall into the error of proudly exhibiting proficiency
in worldly rites. [1]
[1] No true master of the occult sciences ever allows himself to
boast or make public exhibition of his yogic powers. It is only
in secret initiations of disciples, as was the case with Marpa,
that they are shown, if at all. (See Milarepa, pp. 132-3, 154-5 ,163.)
These are The Ten Errors.
