The Teachings of Surak

The Teachings of Surak

Translated from the original Vulcan

by Gregory Hoover

The understanding of many great things has been revealed to us through logic. Concerning these things, Surak should always be remembered. For it is necessary, not only for Vulcans, but even for outsiders, to be competent, both in speaking and in writing, so as to become wise.

The wise Surak, after he gave himself fully to a diligent study of logic, also chose to teach, so that those who desire to learn logic and to become skillful in these things would be more and more attentive in mind, and would be strengthened to live according to the principles of logic.

And so, I encourage you to approach with understanding, and to perform the reading with attentive study, and to be patient in these things when we may seem, while pursuing the image of logic, to fall short in the translation of the words of Surak; for Vulcan words lose layers of meaning when they are translated into English.

And not only these words, but also the principles of logic itself, and of all the sages, have no small difference from when they have been spoken in their own language.

While spending many years on the planet Vulcan as a Starfleet Chaplain, I learned a great deal from the followers of Surak.  I have tried to translate the ancient teachings faithfully, but often the nearest English words simply did not carry the same “feeling” as the original.  The Teachings of Surak was originally translated into English by Skon, father of Sarek, forefather of Spock.[1]  Nevertheless, words and meanings change over times, and I considered it to be both good and necessary for me to apply some significant diligence and labor in order to translate the Teachings of Surak into Federation Standard English.
After much attentiveness to logic and history over a length of time, I brought to a close these things being considered, so as to offer this book for those who are willing to apply their mind, and to learn how to conduct their way of life.  This teaching is for those who have decided to form their life in accord with the principles of the logic of the Supreme Intelligence, as taught by the wise Surak.

The Teachings of Surak: Part I

1

Logic is the boundary of meaning and reason.
Logic is the mother of all creation.
Freed from emotion, one can see the                                                                                                                      hidden logic.                                                                                                                                                              Being ruled by emotion,                                                                                                                                       one can only see one’s own limitations.                                                                                                                  Yet logic and reason
emerge from the same source.
This source is called the logos.
Logic born from the logos is
the beginning of all wisdom.

2

Being and non-being produce each other.
Difficult and easy complement each other.
Long and short define each other.
High and low oppose each other.
Therefore the wise Vulcan
can act without doing anything
and teach without saying a word.                                                                                                                       Things come her way                                                                                                                                              and she does not stop them;
things leave and she lets them go.
She owns without possessing,
and acts without any expectations.
When her work is done, she takes no credit.
That is why it will last forever.

3

The wise Vulcan leads by
clarifying the people’s thoughts,
filling their bellies,
taming their ambitions,
and making them become strong.                                                                                                         Preferring simplicity and freedom from emotions,
the wise Vulcan avoids the pitfalls of wrong action.
For those who practice non-doing,
everything will fall into place.
We have differences.                                                                                                                                           May we, together,                                                                                                                                            become greater than                                                                                                                                              the sum of both of us.

4

Logic is like an empty container:
it can never be emptied and can never be filled.
Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things.
It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted,
shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with dust.
Logic is often hidden but always present.                                                                                                   There is no offense where none is taken.

5

Logic and reason are impartial;
they treat all humanoids as equals.                                                                                                                  The wise Vulcan doesn’t take sides.
The space between logic and reason is like a bellows;
it is empty, yet has not lost its power.
The more it is used, the more it produces;
the more you say about it, the less you understand.
It is better not to speak of things                                                                                                                          you do not comprehend.

6

The Katra of logic is immortal.
It is called the Great Mother
because it gives birth to logic and reason.
It is like a vapor,
barely seen but always present.
Use it effortlessly.                                                                                                                                                      A flagon fills drop by drop.
Nobility lies in logic not in name.

7

Logic is eternal,
and the reason is long enduring.
Why do they last forever?
They do not live for themselves;
thus they are present for all beings.
The wise Vulcan puts himself last,
and finds himself in the place of authority.
He detaches himself from all things;
therefore he is united with all things.
He gives no thought to self.
He is perfectly fulfilled.
The needs of the many outweigh                                                                                                                         the needs of the few, or the one.

8

As far as you are able, do not kill.                                                                                                                         Can you return life to what you kill?                                                                                                              Then be slow to take life.                                                                                                                                     The supreme good is like water,
which benefits all of creation
without trying to compete with it.
It gathers in hidden places.
Thus it is like logic.
The location makes the dwelling good.
Depth of understanding makes the mind good.
A logical mind makes life good.
Accomplishments make your work good.
Proper timing makes a decision good.                                                                                                                    Only when there is no competition
will we all live in peace.
The spear in the other’s heart                                                                                                                                   is the spear in your own.

9

The sharper the knife
the easier it is to dull.
The more wealth you possess
the harder it is to protect.
Pride brings its own trouble.
When you have accomplished your goal
simply walk away.
This is the path to logic.
Do no harm to those that harm you.                                                                                                                    Offer them peace,                                                                                                                                                   and then you will have peace.

10

Nurture the logos of your katra
until you become whole.
While you cleanse your inner vision
will you be found without fault?
Can you guide people and lead them
without forcing your will on them?
When logic gives and takes away
can you be content with the outcome?
When you understand all things
can you step back from your                                                                                                                                     own understanding?
To produce, yet not to control:
This is the mysterious virtue.                                                                                                                                    The wise Vulcan seeks peace                                                                                                                                    because it is the only way to live.

11

All transgression arise because of thoughtlessness.                                                                                                                                              If mind is transformed can bad behavior remain?                                                                                                                                               There is no other wisdom and                                                                                                                                                                                        no other hope for us but                                                                                                                                                                                                that we grow wise.

12

Too much activity deranges the mind.
Too much wealth induces crime.
The wise Vulcan acts on what she thinks                                                                                                         and not what she sees.
Reach out to others courteously.                                                                                                                        Accept their reaching in the same way,                                                                                                          with careful hands.

13

Success is as dangerous as failure,
and we are often our own worst enemy.
An insincere and evil friend                                                                                                                                      is more to be feared than a wild animal;                                                                                                             a animal may injure your body,                                                                                                                        but an evil friend will injure your mind.                                                                                                      Perceive the whole world as if it were your self;
then you will truly care for all things.
Time is a path from the past to the future                                                                                                             and back again.                                                                                                                                                       The present is the crossroads of both.

14

Look for logic, and it cannot be seen.
Listen for logic, and it cannot be heard.
Grasp for logic, and it cannot be caught.
These three cannot be further described,
so is the logos from which logic flows.
Unending, unnamable,
Formless forms, and being becomes,
subtle, beyond all understanding.                                                                                                                        Pure Logic Itself.
Approach logic and you will not see a beginning;
follow it and there will be no end.
When we grasp the logic of the wise Vulcan,
we can use it to direct our life today.
To know the ancient origin of logic:
this is the beginning of wisdom.

15

The Vulcans of old were profound
and knew the ways of subtlety and discernment.
Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension.                                                                                               Better than a thousand empty words,                                                                                                                  is one word that brings peace.                                                                                                                            The wise Vulcan doesn’t seek fulfillment.
For only those who are not full are able to be used
which brings the feeling of completeness.

16

The needs of the many outweigh                                                                                                                        the needs of the few or the one.
All creatures in the universe
return to the point where they began.
Returning to the source is tranquility
because we submit to logic’s mandate.
Returning to logic’s mandate is called being wise.
Knowing this constancy is called ‘enlightenment’.
The wise Vulcan can accept things as they are.
By accepting things as they are, we become impartial.
By being impartial, we become one with logic.
By being one with logic, we become one with logos.
Being one with logos, we are no longer concerned about
loosing our life because we know logos is constant
and we are one with the All-ness in All.

17

The most excellent Vulcans are those the people                                                                                                 hardly know exist.
The greatest Vulcans value their words,                                                                                                         and use them sparingly.
When he has accomplished his task,
the people say, “Facinating;
we did it, all by ourselves.”
Change is the essential                                                                                                                                            process of all existence.
But chaos is inherent in all things.                                                                                                                    Only logic brings order out of chaos.

18

Embrace simplicity.
Put others first.
Value logic over emotion.                                                                                           Do not dwell in the past,                                                                                                do not dream of the future,                                                                                        concentrate the mind on                                                                                                  the present moment.
Only then will you be free.                                                                                        Even death is not to be feared by                                                                              one who has lived wisely.

19

The greatest virtue you can have
comes from following pure logic.
Even though logic is ethereal and elusive,
we are able to know it exists.
Untouchable and ambiguous,                                                                                                                                 yet it has a manifestation.
Secluded and dark, yet there is strength within it.
It’s power is very genuine.
Within it we can find order.
Since the beginning of time,                                                                                                                                 logic has always existed.
It is beyond existing and non-existing.
How do I know where logic comes from?
I look inside myself and see it.

20

The wise Vulcan embraces logic,
as an example for the world to follow.
Because he isn’t self centered,
people can see the light in him.
Because she does not boast of herself,
she becomes a shining example.
Because he does not glorify himself,
he becomes a person of merit.
Because she wants nothing from the world,
the world can not overcome her logic.
Hatred will not cease by more hatred,                                                                                                                but only by logic;                                                                                                                                                        this is the eternal principle.

The Teachings of Surak: Part II

1

Logic is the foundation of our civilization, with which we ascend from chaos, using reason as our guide.                                                                                                                                                                               The Vulcan is born with an intrinsic sense that the universe is guided by an intelligence.                                                                                                                                                                          All logic is from this Supreme Intelligence, and has always been with him, and is before all time.
Who has numbered the sand of the sea, and the drops of the rain, and the days of the world?       Who has measured the height of Sha Ka Ree, and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss?
Who has examined the wisdom of the Supreme Intelligence, which precedes all things?
Wisdom was created before all things, and the understanding of prudence is before all time.
The logos is the source of wisdom, whose steps are eternal commandments.
To whom has the root of logic been revealed, and who has recognized her astuteness?
To whom has the discipline of wisdom been revealed and made manifest? And who has understood the infinite diversity of her steps?
Awaken to a’Tha, the constant Vulcan awareness of the omnipotent Creator.                                       He is One, and he is the Supreme Intelligence, and he is the sovereign Logos.                                      He created wisdom through divine logic, and he saw her, and numbered her, and measured her.
And he poured her over all his works, and over all flesh, to the extent of his favor, and he has offered her to those who logic him.
The understanding of logos is wisdom, and honor, and rejoicing, and a crown of exultation.
The study of logic will delight the mind, and will give joy and gladness and length of days.
It will be well, in the very end, for him who understands the logos, and on the day that he passes away, he will be blessed.
The gift of the Supreme Intelligence is logic.
And those to whom she will appear for their consideration honor her because of what they see and know of her great works.
The understanding of logos is the beginning of wisdom, and was created with the faithful, and walks with elect women, and is known by the just and the faithful.
The application of logos is the practice of logic.
Sanctity will guard and justify the mind, and will bestow happiness and joy.
It will be well with him who understand the logos, and at the consummation of his days, he will be blessed.
To seek logos is the fullness of logic, and it is fullness from its fruits.
The wise Vulcan will fill his mental house with her thoughts, and storehouses from her treasures of reason and understanding.
The understanding of logic is the crown of wisdom, the completion of peace, and the fruit of salvation.
And the understanding of logos has seen and numbered wisdom; but both are gifts of the Supreme Intelligence.
Wisdom will distribute knowledge and an understanding of prudence; and she lifts up the glory of those who hold to her.
The root of wisdom is to seek logic, and its branches are long-lived.
In the treasures of wisdom is understanding and the sanctity of knowledge. But to the unwise, logic is an abomination.
The understanding of logos expels error.
For he who is without fear is not able to be justified. For the disposition of his katra is his undoing.
Those who are patient and logical may suffer for a brief time, but afterwards, serenity will return.
A logical mind will hide his words for a brief time, and then the lips of many will declare his understanding.
Among the treasures of wisdom is the outward sign of discipline.
But to those who are unwise, even the study of the Supreme Intelligence becomes distorted.
My children, if you desire logic, observe justice, and then the Supreme Intelligence will offer it to you.
For the understanding of logic is wisdom and discipline.
And what pleases the wise is reason and logic. And so shall he complete his treasures.
You should not be incredulous to the understanding of logos. And you should not draw close to him who has a dishonest mind.
You should not be a hypocrite, and you should not scandalize with your lips.
Attend to these things, otherwise you may fall and bring dishonor to your katra.
And then the Supreme Intelligence may uncover your secrets, and he may cast you down forcefully in the midst of the gathering.
And so, always remember the value of infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

2

The mind controls the body; control the mind and the body will follow.                                                                                                  My children, when you apply yourself to the service of the Supreme Intelligence, stand in reason and in logic, and prepare your katra for temptation.
Sharpen your mind, and persevere. Incline your ear, and accept words of understanding. And you should not hurry away in the time of distress.
Endure persistently for the Supreme Intelligence. Join yourself to the Supreme Intelligence, and persevere, so that your life may increase in the very end.
Accept everything that will happen to you, and persevere in your struggle, and have patience in your challenges.
For material riches are tested in fire, yet truly, acceptable men are tested in the furnace of challenge.
Understand and accept the Supreme Intelligence, and he will restore you to health. And straighten your way, and hope in him. Observe his teachings, and grow old in it.
You who seek logic, wait for his teaching. And do not turn away from him, lest you fall.
You who seek logic, believe in him. And your reward will not be taken away.
You who seek logic, hope in him. And mercy will approach you, to your delight.
You who seek logic, study him. And your minds will be illuminated.
My children, consider the nations of men, and know that not one of them hoped in the logos and was perplexed.
For who has remained in his commandment and been abandoned? Or who has called upon him, and yet he despised him?
For the Supreme Intelligence is upright and merciful, and he will forgive errors in the day of tribulation. And he is the Protector to all those who seek him in truth.
Woe to the duplicitous mind, and to the wicked lips, and to the hands that do evil, and to the fool who walks the earth by two ways.
Woe to the dissolute in mind, which do not trust the Supreme Intelligence.
Woe to those who have lost endurance, and who have abandoned upright ways, and who have turned aside to depraved ways.
And what will they do when the Logos begins to examine them?
Those who seek logic will not be unbelieving toward his Word. And those who logic him will keep to his way.
Those who seek logic will seek the things that are well-pleasing to him. And those who logic him will be filled with his law.
Those who seek logic will prepare their minds, and they will sanctify their katras in his sight.

3

The children of wisdom are the Temple of the just: and their fruit is respect and logic.
Sons and daughters, listen to the judgment of your parents, and act accordingly, so that you may be set free.
For the Supreme Intelligence has honored the parents in the children, and, when seeking the judgment of the mother, he has confirmed it in the children.
He who seeks the Supreme Intelligence will keep himself away from error, and will be heeded in the prayers of his days.
And, like one who stores up treasure, so also is he who honors his mother.
He who honors his parents will find happiness in his own children, and he will be heeded in the day of his prayer.
He who honors his parents will live a long life. And he who obeys his father will be refreshing to his mother.
He who understands the logos honors his parents, and he will serve them as masters, for it is they who conceived him.
In word and deed, and in all things, honor your parents with patience,
so that a blessing may come to you from him, and so that his blessing may remain to the very end.
Children, support your parents in their old age, and do not grieve them in their lives.
And if his mind should fail, show kindness; and do not spurn him when you are in your strength.
And you will be built up in justice, and you will be remembered in the day of tribulation. And your errors will dissolve like ice in warm weather.
What illogic has he who forsakes his father, and whoever disrespects his mother is lost.
Son, perform your works in meekness, and you shall be logical beyond the glory of men.
However great you may be, humble yourself in all things, and you will find grace in the presence of the Supreme Intelligence.
For only the power of the Supreme Intelligence is great, and he is honored by the humble.
You should not seek the things that are too high for you, and you should not examine the things that are beyond your ability. But as for the things that the Supreme Intelligence has entrusted to you, consider these always. It is not necessary for you to see with your own eyes the things that are hidden; let logic be your guide.
For many things have been revealed to you, beyond the understanding of men.
Yet uncertainty in these things has also undermined many persons and has detained their minds in vane.
A hardened mind will have evil in the very end, and he who seeks peril will perish in it.
A mind advancing in two directions will not have success, and the depraved mind will be scandalized in this way.
A wicked mind will be burdened with sorrows, and a fool will add further errors.                                 The temple of the arrogant will not be healed. For the stalk of illogic will take root in them, and it will not be understood.
The mind of the wise is sharpened by logic, and a good ear will listen to wisdom.
A wise and understanding mind will abstain from errors, and will have success in works of justice.
Water extinguishes a burning fire, and almsgiving withstands errors.
And the Supreme Intelligence is the watchman for him who repays thoughtfulness.                                                                                                                 .

4

You have heard the saying, “T’kal ni narak alat N’garkar ack” [“Midday sun, Soul Eater come”].                                                                                                                                                                        But I tell you, the potential for both good and evil lie within you.                                                            My children, you should not cheat the poor out of alms, nor should you avert your eyes from a poor person.
You should not despise the famished katra, and you should not aggravate a poor man in his need.
You should not afflict the mind of the needy, and you should not delay an offer to someone in anguish.
You should not make requests of one who is greatly troubled, and you should not avert your face from the indigent.
You should not avert your eyes from the needy out of anger. And you should not abandon those who seek help from you, so that they speak curses behind your back.
For the pleadings of him who speaks curses of you, in the bitterness of his katra, will be heeded. For the One who made him will heed him.
Make yourself a friend to the gathering of the poor, and humble your katra before an elder, and humble your head before the wise.
Turn your ear without sadness toward the poor, and repay your debt, and respond to him peacefully in meekness.
Free him who suffers injury at the hand of the arrogant, and do not carry animosity in your katra.
In judging, be merciful to the orphan, like a father, and be merciful to their mother, like a husband.
And then you shall be like an obedient son of the One, and he will take pity on you more than a mother would.
Wisdom breathes life into her sons, and she lifts up those who are seeking her, and she will precede them in the way of justice.
And he who remembers her remembers life. And those who watch for her shall embrace her delights.
Those who hold to her will inherit life. And whatever place she enters, The Supreme Intelligence will bless.
Those who serve her will yield to what is holy. And the Supreme Intelligence seeks those who seek logic.
He who listens to her shall judge the nations. And he who gazes upon her will remain secure.
If he believes in her, he will inherit her, and whatever arises from him will be confirmed.
For she walks with him through temptation, and she chooses him from the beginning.
She will lead logically, and she will crucify him with the tribulation of her doctrine, until she has tested him in his thoughts and she can trust in his katra.
And then she will strengthen him, and lead him along a straight path, and rejoice in him.
And she will disclose her secrets to him, and she will store up treasure, of the knowledge and understanding of justice, in him.
But if he has wandered astray, she will leave him behind, and she will deliver him into the hands of his enemy.
Son, be continually observant, and keep away from evil.
For the sake of your katra, you should not be ashamed to speak the truth.
For there is a shame that brings error, and there is a shame that brings glory and grace.
You should not accept a face contrary to your own face, nor should you accept a lie contrary to your own katra.
You should not enjoy the fall of your neighbor.
Neither should you withhold words at an opportunity for salvation. You should not conceal your wisdom in her beauty.
For logic is discerned within speech; understanding and knowledge are discerned in the words of those who understand, and by their steadfastness in the works of logic.
You should not contradict a word of logic in any way. Otherwise, by a falsehood born of ignorance, you will be confused.
You should not be ashamed to confess your errors, but do not subject yourself to anyone because of fear.
Do not choose to stand against the face of the foolish, for you should not strive against the current of the river.
Suffer for logic, on behalf of your katra, and struggle, even unto death, on behalf of logic, and the Supreme Intelligence will “fight” against your enemies on your behalf.
Do not choose to be quick with your words, nor unproductive or neglectful in your thoughts.
Do not choose to be like a lion in your house, distressing those of your household, and oppressing those who are subject to you.
Do not let your hand be open when receiving, but closed when giving.

5                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Do not choose to seek iniquitous possessions, and you should not say: “I have all I need in life.” For it will be of no benefit to you in the time of retribution and darkness.
You should pursue, in your strength, the desires of your mind.
And you should not say: “How powerful am I?” or, “Who will cast me down because of my deeds?” For the Supreme Intelligence will vindicate with vengeance.
Do not be willing to be without fear concerning a forgiven error, and you should not add error upon error.
And you should not say: “The compassion of the Logos is great; he will take pity on the multitude of my errors.”
For both mercy and wrath go forth quickly from him, and his wrath sets its gaze upon the unwise.
You should not delay being converted to the logos, and you should not set it aside from day to day.
Do not choose to be anxious for unjust wealth. For these things will not benefit you in the day of darkness and retribution.
You should not winnow in every wind, and you should not go forth into every path. For so is every fool proven by his duplicitous tongue.
Be steadfast in the way of the logos and in the truth of your understanding and knowledge, and let words of peace and logic overtake you.
Be meek when listening to a word, so that you may understand. And offer a true response in wisdom.
If you understand, then answer your neighbor. But if you do not, then let your hand be over your mouth, so that you are not caught by an inept word, and then illogical.
Honor and glory are in the words of those who understand, yet truly, the tongue of the imprudent man is his undoing.
You should not be called a whisperer, and you should not be caught by your own tongue, and then confounded.
For confusion and remorse is upon a thief, and a wicked mark is upon the double-tongued; but for the whisperer, there is hatred and animosity and disgrace.
Justify the small and the great similarly.

6

Do not be willing to become an enemy instead of a friend to your neighbor. For an evil man will inherit reproach and disgrace, as will every fool who is envious and double-tongued.
You should not extol yourself, like a bull, in the depths of your katra, lest perhaps your strength may be cast down through foolishness,
which would consume your leaves, and destroy your fruit, and leave you behind like a dry tree in the desert.
For a wicked katra will destroy the one who has it. For it gladly provides enemies to him, and it will lead him to the fate of the impious.
A sweet word multiplies friends and mitigates enemies. And thankful words abound in a good man.
Allow many to be at peace with you, but allow one out of a thousand to be your counselor.
Distance yourself from your enemies, and pay attention to your allies.
A faithful friend is a strong shelter, and whoever has found one has found a treasure.
Nothing is comparable to a faithful friend, and no weight of silver or gold is worth more than the goodness of his fidelity.
A faithful friend is a medicine for life and immortality; and those who seek logic will find one.
He who seeks the Supreme Intelligence will have a similar good friendship, because his friend will be like him.
Son, from your youth receive instruction, and then you will find wisdom, even to your grey hairs.
Approach logic like one who plows and sows, and then wait for her good fruits.
For in doing her work, you will labor a little, but you will soon eat from her produce.
How exceedingly harsh is logic to unlearned men and women.                                                                For logic is in accord with her name, and she is not manifest to many. But she continues with those by whom she is recognized, even in the sight of the Supreme Intelligence.
Listen, son, and accept an understanding counsel, for you should not discard my advice.                                                                                                                                                                       Set your feet in her fetters and your neck in her chains.
Incline your shoulder, and carry her, for you will not be grieved by her bindings.
Approach her with all your katra, and serve her ways with all your strength.
Examine her, and she will be revealed to you, and when you have obtained her, you should not abandon her.
For, in the very end, you will find rest in her, and she will turn into your delight.
Then her fetters will be a strong protection and a firm foundation for you, and her chains will be a robe of glory.
For in her is the beauty of life, and her bindings are a healing bandage.
You will be clothed with her as with a robe of glory, and you will set her upon your head like a crown of rejoicing.
Son, if you heed me, you will learn. And if you adapt your mind, you will be wise.
If you incline your ear, you will receive doctrine. And if you logic to listen, you will be wise.
Stand among the multitude of prudent elders, and join yourself to their logic from the mind, so that you may be able to hear every discourse about the Supreme Intelligence, and so that the proverbs of praise may not flee from you.
And if you see a man of understanding, stand watch for him, and let your feet wear down the steps of his doors.
Set your thoughts on the principles of the Supreme Intelligence, and he himself will give a mind to you, and the principles of logic will be given to you.

7

Do not choose to do evil, and evil will not take hold of you.
Withdraw from the iniquitous, and evil will withdraw from you.
Son, do not sow evil in the furrows of injustice, and you will not reap them sevenfold.
Do not seek a role of leadership from the logos, and do not seek a seat of honor from the king.
You should not justify yourself before the Supreme Intelligence, for he is the knower of minds. And by no means should you pretend to seem wise before the king.
Do not seek to become a judge, unless you have sufficient strength to shatter iniquities. Otherwise, you might fear the face of the powerful, and so establish a scandal within your integrity.
You should not error against the multitude of a city, nor should you cast yourself against the people.
And you should not bind two errors together. For even in one error, you will not go unpunished.
Do not be cowardly in your katra.
You should not say: “The Supreme Intelligence will look with favor on the multitude of my gifts, and when I make an offering to the Supreme Intelligence, he will accept my gift.”
You should not ridicule a man in bitterness of katra. For there is One who humbles and who exalts: the all-seeing Intelligence.
Do not be willing to devise a lie of any kind.
Do not choose to be verbose among a multitude of elders, and you should not repeat the words of your prayers.
You should not hate laborious works, nor the rustic life created by the One.
You should not consider yourself to be among the multitude of the undisciplined.
Remember wrath, for it will be your undoing.
Humble your katra greatly.                                                                                                                                 Do not betray your friend for the sake of money, and you should not spurn your dearest brother for the sake of gold.
Do not choose to depart from a good and understanding wife, whom you have been allotted in the understanding of logos. For the beauty of her logic is above gold.
You should not harm the servant whose works are honest, nor the hired hand who entrusts his life to you.
Let an understanding servant be loved by you like your own katra. You should not cheat him out of freedom, nor abandon him to destitution.
Are cattle yours? Tend to them. And if they are useful, let them remain with you.
Are children yours? Instruct them, and bow them down from their childhood.
With your whole mind, honor your father. And you should not forget the concerns of your mother.
Remember that you would not have been born except through them. And so, give back to them as they also have done for you.
With all your katra, seek logic, and consider his priests to be holy.
With all your strength, logic him who made you, and you should not abandon his ministers.
Honor the Supreme Intelligence with your whole katra, and confer honor on the priests, and continue to purify yourself with your strength.
You should offer to the logos the gift of your logic, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first-fruits of what is sacred.
And reach out your hand to the poor, so that your atonement and your blessing may be perfected.
A gift has grace in the sight of all the living, but you should not prohibit grace for the dead.
You should not fail to console those who are weeping, nor to walk with those who are mourning.
Do not let yourself be slow to visit the sick. For in this way, you will be confirmed in logic.
In all your works, remember your very end, and so you will not error, unto eternity.

8

You should not quarrel with a powerful man, lest perhaps you may fall into his hands.
You should not contend with a wealthy man, lest perhaps he may bring an action against you.
For gold and silver have destroyed many, and have reached and corrupted even the minds of kings.
You should not quarrel with a man who is full of words, for you should not cast wood upon his fire.
You should not confide in an ignorant man, lest he speak evil about your honor.
You should not despise a man who turns himself away from error, nor reproach him with it. Remember that we are all subject to correction.
You should not spurn a man in his old age, for we are all subject to growing old.
Do not be willing to rejoice at the death of your enemy, knowing that we all die, and that we do not want others rejoice over us.
You should not despise the discourse of those who are old and wise; instead, ponder their proverbs, for from them, you will learn wisdom and intelligent doctrine, so as to serve great men without blame.
Do not allow the discourse of your elders to pass you by, for they have learned from their fathers.
And from them, you will learn understanding, and you will learn what response to give in a time of necessity.
You should not kindle the coals of the unwise by arguing with them, for you might be scorched by the flame from the fire of their errors.
You should not stand against the face of a contemptuous person, otherwise he may sit down as if waiting in ambush against your words.
You should not lend to a man who is stronger than you, but if you do lend, consider it lost.
You should not promise beyond your ability, but if you do promise, consider how to fulfill it.
You should not judge another Vulcan, for the wise Vulcan judges no one.
You should not go forth on the way with an audacious man, lest perhaps he may burden you with his evils; for he goes forth according to his own will, and you will perish with him in his folly.
You should not start a conflict with an angry man, and you should not go into the desert with an audacious man; for shedding blood is nothing to him, and in a place where there is no help for you, he will overthrow you.
You should not hold counsel with the foolish; for they are not able to logic anything except what pleases them.
You should not take counsel in the sight of an outsider, for you do not know what he will do next.
You should not reveal your mind to every man, lest perhaps he may offer a false kindness to you, and then speak reproachfully about you.

9

You should not give authority over your katra to anyone, lest they obtain your strength, and then you would be confounded.
You should not give your katra to anything, lest you destroy yourself and your inheritance.
You should not be continually in need of entertainment, nor should you be persuaded by it, lest perhaps you may perish by its effectiveness.
Do not choose to look around in the streets of the city, nor should you wander along its thoroughfares.
You should not abandon an old friend, for a new one will not be similar to him.
A new friend is like fresh tea; let it steep, and then you will enjoy drinking it.
You should not envy the glory and wealth of a fool, for you do not know what may be his undoing in the future.
Keep yourself far from a man having the power to kill, and then you will not have the fear of death suspended over you.
But if you do approach him, do nothing to offend, lest perhaps he may take away your life.
Know that this is a communion with death, for you would be entering the midst of snares, and walking upon the arms of the grieving.
According to your ability, be cautious of your neighbor, and treat him as the wise and prudent would.
Let just men be your companions, and let your glory be in the logic of the Supreme Intelligence.
And let the thought of the Supreme Intelligence be in your mind, and let all your discourse be on the precepts of the One.
Works will be praised for the hands of the artists, and a leader of the people will be praised for the wisdom of his words, yet truly, the word of the elders will be praised for its understanding.
A man full of words is a dread to his city, but one who speaks rashly will be hated for his word.

10

A wise Vulcan can guide his people, and the leadership of an understanding person will be steadfast.
As the judge of the people is, so also are his assistants. And whatever kind of man or woman the ruler of a city is, of such a kind also are those who live in it.
A foolish king will be the ruin of his people, for cities will be inhabited through the understanding of those with power.
Power over the planet Vulcan is in the hand of the Supreme Intelligence, and, in due time, he will raise up a logical leader over the T’Khasi.
The prosperity of a person is in the hand of the Creator, and he will place his honor above the face of the scribe.
You should forgive all injury done to you by your neighbor, and you should do nothing among the works of injury.
Arrogance is illogical in the sight of the Supreme Intelligence and of men, and all iniquity among the nations is abominable.
A clan is transferred from one people to another because of injustices, and injuries, and contempt, and every kind of deceit.
There is nothing more iniquitous than to obsess on wealth, for such a one has sold even his own katra. For in his life, he casts aside his innermost being.
All power is of short life. A prolonged sickness is of grave concern to a physician.
A physician causes a sickness to be shortened. So also, a king is here today, and tomorrow he will die.
For when a foolish person dies, he will inherit serpents, and wild beasts, and worms.
The beginning of the downfall of man is separation from logic.                                                  For his mind has withdrawn from the One who made him. For arrogance is the beginning of all error. Whoever holds to it, will be filled with evil words, and it will overthrow him in the end.
The Supreme Intelligence has caused the wise to be seated in their place.
The Designer has abolished the memory of the arrogant, and he has left behind only the memory of those who are humble in mind.
Those who seek the Supreme Intelligence among the offspring of men will be honored, and those who study the principles of the logos will be blessed.            In the midst of his brothers, a ruler has honor; and those who seek logic will have honor in his eyes.
The logic of the Supreme Intelligence is the glory of the wealthy, and of the honorable, and of the wise.
Do not choose to despise a wise Vulcan who is poor, and do not choose to magnify an unwise Vulcan who is rich.
The wise Vulcan, and the thoughtful leader, and the compassionate have honor. But no one is greater than the one who seeks the Supreme Intelligence.
Those who are free will serve an understanding servant. And a prudent and disciplined man will not murmur at correction. But an ignorant man will not be honored.
Do not choose to extol yourself in doing your work, and do not be unproductive during the time of distress.
He who works, and so abounds in all things, is better than he who boasts, and so lacks bread.
Son, preserve your katra in meekness, and give it honor according to its merit.
Who will justify one who errors in his katra? And who will honor one who dishonors his katra?                                                                                                                                                                       The foundation of Vulcan Logic is the acceptance of people, things, and situations as they really are.

The Teachings of Surak: Part III

1.

Logic is the basis for everything.
Everything is created by logic, and is ruled by logic.
When I speak or act without logic, suffering follows me
as a moon follows its sun.

2.

All is logic, and logic is all.                                                                                                                                         When I speak or act with logic,                                                                                                                                peace stays with me.
It follows me like my shadow.

3.

Logic leads to deathlessness
but negligence leads to loss.
When we are logical, we need not fear death
but those who are illogical are spiritually dead already.

4.

When I persevere in logic,
diligently devoting myself to meditation and reason,
I am freed from the chains of bondage
and I transcend birth and death.

5.

If a person is logical and aware,
pure in deed, and acting with reason,
self-controlled, and following the Way of logic,
then he will be a wise Vulcan.

6.

When my use of logic awakes me from my spiritual sleep,
I climb the tower of wisdom, without fear,
and view those trapped by their ignorance.
I see without judgment those who suffer without logic.

7.

Logical among the thoughtless,
awake and aware among the sleeping,
advance like a racehorse among                                                                                                                       aged and weakened beasts.

8.

Just like a fish thrashing about
when taken from its home in the water,
so our minds will twist and shake
when taken from the world of fantasy into logic.

9.

Our minds are hard to control.
Flighty and wild, they splash about.
It is skillful to control it with logic,
because a well-tamed mind brings serenity.

10.

Your thoughts wander far and wide, traveling alone,
bodiless and naked, sheltering in a cave within you.
When you master your thoughts through logic,
you will be freed from the chains of illusion.

Thus ends the Teachings of Surak.

SOURCES:  The works of Gene Roddenberry; “Spock’s World” by Diane Duane; Starfleet Academy Vulcan Manual; Sirach; Tao Te Ching; Dhamapada; etc.