The Way of the Laze is not a training school for the Buddha-heads! It is indeed the other way around. The formal, rule-laden, structured, Order-worshipping ascetics are like bicycle riders with training wheels. The Way of the Laze is for the Master. For that reason, it is not advisable to attempt it without strict training in the traditional disciplines. One does not attempt to fly a Boeing 747 without some training in the Cessna.
It is not for the undisciplined that the Way of Laziness was developed, it is for those who are perfectly disciplined. Those who smoke and drink and such may have the perfect practice already. Perhaps that is why they resist the busibody that encourages them toward meditation. Leave them alone. Let them pursue their Way. It may lead to the Way of Laziness if they continue it long enough. Perhaps it already is the Way of Laziness! Similarly, those who sit and inconvenience their bodies in order to `achieve' something will inevitably come back to the Lazy Way, as the Buddha did.
Also, the rules are not there for `a reason', they are there because eager whipper-snappers asked for some guidance on the Path. The objective of `becoming a saint' is a ludicrous dream fabricated by busibodies who need some sort of ledge to hang onto in their practice. See the 12-link business chain regarding dreams and their value. The master disregards the rules, sets out on hir own, and discovers the Way hirself.
Meditation is life. Life is meditation. This is a paradox so confusing for the new student that she must have the term `dhyana/ch'an/zen/meditation' defined for them. Abandon meditation if it does not serve you. If you find value in it, all the better. It will keep those Buddha-heads from pestering you about what `your practice' is. Then you can tell them, ``I meditate'', it will inspire them to sit still and be quiet for a change! Meditation may not lead one to accept the rules if one is becoming enlightened. Sure, one will see the usefulness of the rules in keeping Order, but one also comes to realize that Chaos and spontaneity are necessary components of the Cosmic Play.
Meditation leads one to abandon the rules, to abandon meditation, to abandon practice, if pursued long enough. Don't suggest meditation. This is like suggesting Samsara to a Buddha! The Laze doesn't need your regimentation. Perfect practice involves letting go of these foolish rules, this idiotic thing called `practice' and just having a good time!
In summary, if one believes that one has chosen the proper life practice, the rules and other fluff will not come later. They will simply not be needed - no ifs, ands or buts. By the way, there are no other lifetimes. This is the one life and it is being lived right here, now. Rules and restrictions are for the kids. If I suggested to an aspirant that she ought take up rules and practices it would be like telling my child to go play on the freeway. It is dangerous advice to follow and may lead to their extinction, but it might also involve a serious lesson for them.
Don't be fooled by the busibodies! Laze your Way to enlightenment.
The Path is like a slow-moving river.
It winds, lazily, through the forest of knowledge.
It does not care what course is proper.
It does not concern itself with restriction.
The river simply follows the path of least resistance.
It knows that its place is pure and perfect.
Know this and the 8-Fold Path is before you.