The Six Perfections, or Paramitas, are guides for practitioners on the Bodhisattva path. By developing these qualities, we can transcend our concept of self and reach the other shore – Enlightenment. The Six Paramitas, or transcendent Perfections, are generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. 

Here we will focus on Virya, commonly translated as diligence.

In Buddhism, diligence is usually defined in terms of effort and perseverance on the spiritual path. Diligence involves exerting energetic effort in cultivating wholesome qualities, overcoming unwholesome habits, and purifying the mind. Virya is also translated as joyful effort. Virya is not just about working hard, but about cultivating a joyful and enthusiastic approach to virtuous practices.

So how can we cultivate a joyful and enthusiastic approach to our Zen practice?

To practice the paramita of diligence (virya), begin by focusing on cultivating a joyful and persistent effort towards positive actions and virtuous habits. This involves actively engaging with practices that benefit yourself and others, while also striving to overcome laziness and negativity. A good starting point is to review the Hollow Bones Precepts. These can be found on page 33 of the Sutra book. 

Develop a daily habit of reviewing the precepts and become aware of where you may need to clean up any negative behavior. Remember, it is about sustaining effort over time, not just bursts of intense activity. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Diligence should never be forced or burdensome. It should be characterized by enthusiasm and a genuine delight in the practice, making it feel natural and enjoyable. 

Practical Applications of the Paramita of Diligence

Start Small
Begin with practices that are easiest for you and gradually build from there. Develop and sustain a daily Zazen practice. Twenty minutes a day is a good start. Gradually work up to 30-40 minutes a day.

Positive vs. Negative Seeds
Think of your daily actions as watering seeds in your mind. Water the positive ones (kindness, compassion, etc.) and avoid watering the negative ones (anger, jealousy, etc.). Again, this is where an awareness of the precepts really helps.

Benefit Others
Actively seek ways to benefit others through your practice, whether through direct help, positive speech, or by creating conditions for their well-being. Develop a daily or weekly Metta practice. Be consistent.

Cultivate Appreciation
Find joy in the process of practice, even when facing challenges. Recognizing the benefits of your actions for yourself and others can fuel your enthusiasm. 

Consistent Practice
Make diligent practice a part of your daily routine, even if it’s just for a short period each day. Whether it is daily zazen, reviewing the Precepts or practicing the Five Practice Mirrors, make a commitment and then do your best to honor that commitment.

Examples of Practicing the Paramita of Diligence

Meditation
Regular zazen meditation practice will help cultivate mindfulness and focus. These are essential for diligence.

Virtuous Activities
Engage in activities that benefit yourself and others, such as acts of kindness, generosity, and helpfulness. 

Study and Reflection
Engage with Buddhist teachings, reflect on their meaning, and apply them to your life.  Review the Five Practice Mirrors of Hollow Bones (page 17 of the Sutra Book and page 53 of the Mondo Zen Manual).

Community Practice

Sangha is important for supporting and sustaining your practice.

Participate in the Hollow Bones Virtual Zendo. 

• In the U.S., we meet daily for an hour at 8:00 a.m. (ET) Monday to Friday; Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (ET); and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. (ET).

• In Europe, we meet Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. (CET)

Participate in online or in person retreats or study groups to support your development of diligence. These are held regularly!

Better still, join a local Sangha and practice with other likeminded people who can offer support, advice, and community.

For further exploration

Diligence Paramita  – Vanessa Zuisei Goddard (40:39)

The World Could be Otherwise – Norman Fischer

Virya Paramita – Barbara O’Brien

Nothing to Be Gained – Kosho Uchiyama

Skillful Effort – Peter Doobinin