Living the Teachings

 What is said in the buddhist discourses of old is of course important. I used to be quite obsessed with what was said-- still am to some degree. But I now realize it is perhaps of equal or greater importance to look at what the discourses have to say about how to live and how the followers of the buddha lived, in a very physical 'what did they do/not do' sense. Some things are best expressed by living them-- not just reading them...

"If he recites many teachings, but

–heedless man–

doesn’t do what they say,

like a cowherd counting the cattle of

others,

he has no share in the contemplative life.

If he recites next to nothing

but follows the Dhamma

in line with the Dhamma;

abandoning passion,

aversion, delusion;

alert,

his mind well released,

not clinging

either here or hereafter:

he has his share in the contemplative life." ~Dhammapada verse 19-20 (source)