13 Habits of an Awakened Individual

13 Habits of an Awakened Individual

                    Let these 13 practices help lead you down the path of awakened enlightenment.

1. Always be alert and present. Meditation is key to listening and reflecting on one’s life.

2. Always be stepping outside of your comfort zone. Apathy towards what should be done is a black hole.

3. Get rid of the negative people in your life; those who discourage learning, reflection, and meditation. These people will only make you lose your kindness and compassion.

4. Suffering stems from wanting to satisfy ourselves. Enlightenment ascends from our actions helping others. Replace selfish thoughts with concern for all others.

5. When someone tries to bring you down or spread rumors about you, recognize that it is a cry for help. Wish for that person to overcome their troubles and applaud them for their positive traits; treat them only with kindness.

6. When put on the spot for our flaws and imperfections, do not resort to anger or become defensive. Listen and reflect on what they have to say.

7. When someone we love and care for treat you with resentment and hate, recognize these acts as a sickness that has invaded their mind. Only give them more love and affection.

8. Even after achieving great fame, success, and wealth, do not be arrogant. The anomaly of existence, as amazing as it is, has no substance. Cast away what pride you have that stems from fame.

9. If you find yourself angry at the world often, while at the same time overpowering and conquering others, the anger will never subside. Reflect inward and try to tame these wild thoughts.

10. The mind can delude that which is truly real. From the beginning, our minds are void of any essence that is inherently real. Understand that truth is beyond the conceptions we have known and are beyond the knower. Rid yourself of the belief in inherent existence.

11. Hostile words and language that are used in anger will cause others pain by disturbing their minds, and those who strive to be enlightened will find their practice deteriorate. Rid yourself of abusive and hurtful language.

12. Examine mistakes, delusions, and faults you may possess and then try to expel them completely. Without making any effort to do so, one may become a spiritual materialist.

13. Be constantly present and aware that what you are feeling, thinking, and how you are acting will affect others. Try to be mindful of everything happening in your mind, and try to live in such a way that will help others.