Right Effort

by Gan Starling

Sutra describes four specific modes of right effort. Between them they cover every phase of daily life. These are the efforts to : (1) avoid, (2) overcome, (3) develop, and (4) maintain. It is written that in each case, “...the disciple strives, puts forth effort, strains his mind, and struggles.” The four are distinguished by their application. Each has to do with our mental states — whether meritorious or not, and also to their time of onset — whether as yet arisen or not.

Firstly we have the striving to avoid any and all evil, demeritorious states of mind. This is done by watching out for signs which forewarn of impending anger, covetousness, jealousy, ill will and so forth. Should we catch ourselves spiraling down toward an attitude which may eventually give rise to any such unhealthy mind-sets, we deliberately cease, desist, and switch ourselves over onto entirely different thought-tracks. We willfully change course and face ourselves toward more profitable horizons. We mindfully distract ourselves with objectives more beneficent and compelling.

If despite our efforts, such a demeritorious state should arise, we then make the effort to overcome. We try to cut it off then and there. If it will not be cut off, we strive to suppress it, deny it growth. We whittle it down by argument and self-reproach. We dowse it with humility, drown it in regret. We declare it our enemy and drive it out however we can.

Then we have the effort to develop. Seeking attitudes which will properly conduce to our spiritual advancement, we scout ahead for motivations and opportunities to practice good. We equip ourselves with convincing, objective and valid reasonings. Thus outfitted, we go out prospecting for qualities of excellence: things like charity, humility and zeal.

Having acquired some measure of goodness, we next make the effort to maintain. Reflecting joyfully upon our success, upon any kindness we may have performed, we deliberately hold firmly in mind. We soak it up, letting it seep as far as possible into the make-up of our character.

By these four efforts we slowly remake ourselves: deed by deed, spoken word by spoken word, thought by thought. We nurture our goodness and starve our ill will, gently guiding our evolution away from darkness and toward the ultimate.


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