(1) One should acquire practical knowledge of the Path by
treading it, and not be as do the multitude [who profess, but
do not practice, religion].
(2) By quitting one's own country and dwelling in foreign
lands one should acquire practical knowledge of non-attachment. [1]
[1] This implies non-attachment to all worldly possessions, to home
and family, as to the tyranny of social intercourse and custom, which
commonly causes the attached to fritter life away in what Milarepa
so wisely teaches, "All worldly pursuits have but the one unavoidable
and inevitable end, which is sorrow: acquisitions end in dispersion;
buildings, in destruction; meetings, in separation; births, in
death." (See Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa, p. 259.) All the Great
Sages, in every land and generation, have traversed the Garden of
Human Existence, have plucked and eaten of the glamorous
vari-colored fruits of the tree of Life growing in the garden,
and, as a result, have attained world-disillusionment, whereby man
first sees that Divine Vision which alone can give to him
imperishable contentment, both now and in the hour of death.
Ecclesiastes, the Jewish Sage, who was once "king over Israel in
Jerusalem", in language very much like that of Milarepa, tells us,
"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold,
all is vanity and vexation of spirit." (Ecclesiastes i. 14.)
(3) Having chosen a religious preceptor, separate yourself
from egotism and follow his teachings implicitly.
(4) Having acquired mental discipline by hearing and meditating
upon religious teachings, boast not of your attainment,
but apply it to the realization of truth.
(5) Spiritual knowledge having dawned in oneself, neglect
it not through slothfulness, but cultivate it with ceaseless
vigilance.
(6) Once having experienced spiritual illumination, commune
with it in solitude, relinquishing the worldly activities of
the multitude.
(7) Having acquired practical knowledge of spiritual things
and made the Great Renunciation, permit not the body, speech,
or mind to become unruly, but observe the three vows, of
poverty, chastity, and obedience.
(8) Having resolved to attain the Highest Goal, abandon
selfishness and devote thyself to the service of others.
(9) Having entered upon the mystic Mantrayanic Pathway,
permit not the body, the speech, or mind to remain
unsanctified, but practice the
threefold mandala. [1]
[1] A mandala is a symbolical (geometric) diagram where deities are
invoked. (See Tibet's Great Yogi Milarepa, p. 132.) The threefold
mandala is dedicated to the spiritual forces (often personified as
Tantric deities) presiding over, or manifesting through, the body,
the speech, and the mind of man, as in Kundalini Yoga.
(10) During the period of youth, frequent not those who
cannot direct you spiritually, but acquire practical knowledge
painstakingly at the feet of a learned and pious guru.
These are The Ten Things To Be Practiced.
