Chuang Tzu, a Taoist monk, lived in ancient China about 2500 years ago. His teachings are funny, insightful and potent. I would like to read and comment on a few of his writings in the coming episodes starting with this one.

The Heart Sutra is one of the most popular Buddhist sutras. It is short, just 250 words or so, but supremely potent. Even one reading of this classic can empty your mind of all its 'wisdom' and reveal the truth in a flash. In this episode I read the sutra and also comment at a few places. I recommend you read and re-read it everyday. Here's a link to an accessible translation -https://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/heartsutra.html

Today, I read the Faith Mind Sutra (from here - http://www.mendosa.com/way.html). Written by Seng-ts'an, Third Chinese Patriarch, this is a seminal and powerful introduction to non-duality that demystifies The Way and makes it accessible for all.

The mind's preferences and opinions are the key reason it is difficult to turn it inward. Watch out for this pattern and you'll find yourself more at peace. I read excerpts (relevant to this mind pattern) from the Tao Te Ching and the Faith Mind Sutra (both these texts are highly recommended for students of non-duality).

What is true seeking? And how do you know if it's the right path that you're on?

In this episode, I talk about Sri Ramana Maharshi's seminal work on enlightenment and the spiritual quest. 'Who am I?' is a set of questions and answers that succinctly and beautifully surmise Maharshi's teachings. I read through the entire text (about 11 pages). It's the longest episode in this podcast. My request: just listen, don't try too hard to understand. Some things resonate with who you really are, and not necessarily with the mind. And yes, don't forget to read 'Who am I?', it's available for a free download and can also be bought (hard copy) from the Asram website.

Persistence with practice, patience and an intense desire for awakening are the three things needed to succeed on the spiritual path. Two Zen stories illustrate why this pursuit needs much more than just reading a few good books.

I found another Zen story about the Moon that I'd like to share. This one is about laughter and emptiness -- it's no coincidence that many enlightened people laugh loudly and quite often.

There are striking similarities in the teachings of Zen buddhism and the advaita teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. I found a beautiful story that talks about the practice of zazen and I was immediately struck with not only the teachings being exactly what self-enquiry is, but also the use of the metaphor (that of the moon and the bucket with its reflection in it) being exactly the same. 

Talking about the moon, I found another story, about a monk Ryokan and the thief that couldn't steal the moon. This one always makes me teary eyed.

Being enlightened isn't about having a superpower, it's about being at peace always. The story of Zen master Hakuin perfectly illustrates the Buddha state of mind (the enlightened state).