Teachings of Dipa Ma
1. Choose one meditation practice and stick with it. If you want to progress in meditation stay with one technique.
2. Meditate every day. Practice now. Don’t think you will do more later.
3. Any situation is workable. Each of us has enormous power. It can be used to help ourselves and help others.
4. Practice patience. Patience is one of the most important virtues for developing mindfulness and concentration.
5. Free your mind. Your mind is all stories.
6. Cool the fire of emotions. Anger is a fire.
7. Have fun along the way. I am quite happy. If you come to meditate you will also be happy.
8. Simplify. Live simply. A very simple life is good for every thing. Too much luxury is a hindrance to practice.
9. Cultivate the spirit of blessing. If you bless those around you this will inspire you to be attentive in every moment.
10. It’s a circular journey. Meditation integrates the whole person
SIMPLICITY AND SILENCE:
“Whenever I get time alone, I always turn my mind inward.”
“You don’t need anything to be happy.”
“Everything is fresh and new all the time. Every moment is new.”
“Live simply. A very simple life is good for everything. You will not find any pleasure in plenty.”
“When I’ve moving about, shopping, or doing anything I’m always doing it with mindfulness. I know these are things I have to do, but they aren’t problems. On the other hand, I don’t spend time gossiping, or visiting, or doing anything which I don’t consider necessary in life.”
“There is nothing ultimately to cling to in this world.” “However, life is not to be rejected. It is here. And as long as it is here and we are here, we can make the best use of it.”
“The dharma (truth) is everywhere. It doesn’t matter where you are.”
“What is your intention? For any action, physical, verbal, or mental—the Buddha gave the importance to intention. Know your intention in every action.”
MEDITATION and SPIRITUAL URGENCY:
“Mindfulness is the ‘great vocation’ in life which leads to the end of suffering.”
“Meditation is always possible, at any time.”
“You cannot separate meditation from life.”
“Always have Vipassana as your friend.”
“If you are busy, then busyness is the meditation. If you are rushing to the office, then you should be mindful of rushing.”
“If you can manage five minutes a day, then do that. It is important to do whatever you can, no matter how little.”
“What is your intention? For any action, phsycial, verbal, or mental—the Buddha gave the importance to intention.”
“Practice now. Don’t think you will do more later.”
“Can you meditate just 5 minutes with me now? Let’s sit down and do it.
“Human life is most precious. You should not waste it.”
“Meditation is not about thinking. Let go of thinking and your faith will come from within.”
“Patience is one of the most important virtues for developing mindfulness and concentration.”
“Gradually I became acquainted with suffering, the cause of suffering, the arising of suffering, and the end of suffering.”
“Though one should live a hundred years without comprehending how all things rise and pass away, better yet indeed is a single day’s life of one who comprehends the Rising and Passing away of all things.” (This was Dipa Ma’s favorite teaching from the Buddha, and she would repeat it daily.)
Source : Dipama.com