The Bodhisattva Guide by H.H. the Dalai Lama

Author:H.H. the Dalai Lama
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala

7

Endeavor

After generating bodhichitta and taking steps to prevent it from deteriorating, we must now learn to develop it continuously. This is the subject of Shāntideva’s next three chapters, the first of which is devoted to endeavor.

Why is endeavor necessary? If we consider material progress, we see that research started by one person can always be continued by another. But this is not possible with spiritual progress. The realization we talk about in the Buddhadharma is something that has to be accomplished by the individual. No one else can do it for us. Of course, it would be wonderful if in the future we could attain realization through some sort of new injection or by means of a new generation of computers, without having to go through any difficulties. If we could be absolutely certain that such a time would come, we could simply lie back and wait to get enlightened. But I doubt that this will ever happen. It is better to make an effort. We have to develop endeavor.

1.

Thus with patience I will strive with diligence.

For in such diligence enlightenment is found.

If no wind blows, then nothing stirs,

And neither is there merit without diligence.

We can be patient in various ways, such as by not thinking ill of those who harm us or by accepting suffering as the path. Of these two, the latter is the more important for generating endeavor, and it is endeavor that enables us to attain enlightenment. As Shāntideva says, “In such diligence enlightenment is found.” In the same way that protecting a lamp from the wind allows the flame to burn without flickering, endeavor enables the virtuous mind to grow undisturbed.

What is endeavor? It is finding joy in doing what is good. To do that, it is necessary to remove anything that counteracts it, especially laziness. Laziness has three aspects: having no wish to do good, being distracted by negative activities, and underestimating oneself by doubting one’s ability. Related to these are taking undue pleasure in idleness and sleep and being indifferent to saṃsāra as a state of suffering.

4.

Snared by the trapper of defiled emotion,

Enmeshed and taken in the toils of birth,

Again you’ve strayed into the maw of Death.

What is it? Have you still not understood?

All of us want to be happy and to avoid suffering. But because of negative emotions, our minds are never at peace. As they arise, negative thoughts disturb our minds and create a negative atmosphere around us. Furthermore, these emotions make us liable to suffer in the future whenever we encounter difficult circumstances. While they persist, how can we tolerate them? We know that we shall die, but how can we tell when? From this moment on, we must generate endeavor.

7.

Death will swoop on you so swiftly.

Gather merit till that moment comes!

For even if you then throw off your indolence,

What will you do when there is no more time?

If we wait until the moment of death to decide to make an effort, it will be too late. At that time

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.