Diligence (virya) is one of the six (sometimes ten) paramitas or perfections. In the Mahayana, it is listed second, after generosity. It is often defined as taking joy in doing what is virtuous, making an effort, and demonstrating perseverance on the spiritual path. Diligence also refers to the energetic effort to cultivate wholesome qualities, overcome unwholesome habits, and purify the mind.

Diligence is required to put the teachings into practice. Within the framework of listening, contemplation, and meditation, one must first hear the teachings and reflect on their meaning. Meditation, in this context, refers to putting the teachings into practice and actively applying the instructions to one’s daily life.

Diligence can be armor-like, as a strong determination to practice and realize the truth for the benefit of sentient beings is considered the supreme protection against all forms of laziness. There is a Tibetan saying—”be like a hungry yak, browsing on one tuft of grass with its eyes already fixed on the next”—that illustrates this attitude of wishing to practice and never being satisfied, no matter how much practice one has done.

Diligence can also be called “cheerful commitment” or “joyful involvement,” a self-sustaining, insatiable enthusiasm.

Diligence comes naturally, and there is a sense of effortlessness when we find joy in and are motivated by our activities. Careful and persistent effort has a corresponding impact. Therefore, to live harmoniously and with awareness, we must align our motivations and actions with virtue.

Compare the experience of learning a practice technique by reading or being told about it with the experience of contemplating the idea, and fully putting it into practice.

• Why is it sometimes easier, and other times more challenging, to generate a joyful enthusiasm for something you want to do?

Analyze the distinction between ordinary effort and joyful diligence (virya) in Buddhist practice; evaluate personal experiences of learning dharma through the three-step process of listening, contemplation, and meditation; and synthesize understanding by implementing consistent practice that demonstrates “cheerful commitment” to inner development.