Fifth Parami: Energy
In our Mindful Monday practice sessions, we are currently exploring 10 qualities of the heart as taught by the Buddha. You don’t have to identify as a Buddhist in order to benefit from this, it is being taught as a secular, non-religious practice which is relevant and beneficial for all beings who are seeking reliable sources of happiness and freedom.
Called the Paramis, these qualities help bring Mindfulness into all aspects of our lives, individually and in relationship with others, both on and off the proverbial cushion.
I am using these sources as references:
Creating a life of integrity: in conversation with Joseph Goldstein Gail Andersen Stark 2020
Parami: Ways to cross life’s floods Ajahn Succito 2012 https://www.amaravati.org/dhamma-books/parami-ways-to-cross-lifes-floods/
A Whole Life Path: a lay Buddhist’s guide to crafting a dhamma-infused life Gregory Kramer 2017
Pay Attention, for goodness’ sake: practicing the perfections of the heart Sylvia Boorstein 2002
Buddha is as Buddha Does: the ten original practices for enlightened living Surya Das 2007
We began in January with Generosity, and have investigated teachings and practices related to Ethical Conduct, Renunciation and Wisdom. Each of these qualities supports and strengths the others, they are interdependent.
In May we are exploring the Parami of “Energy” which refers to exertion in mental development and encompasses qualities of courage, strength, vigor, perseverance, and vitality.
“Energy” (viriya in Pali) is the willingness to stay with what is, rather than trying to avoid, distract, deny or blame. We face, or “lean into” things as they are, whether its our wandering mind, our irritable mood, a change of plans or direction, reacting (once again) in a way that is harsh or judgmental, being critical of ourselves or another. It requires energy and courage to stay on course and move through the resistance and obstacles that we encounter.
For example, we can bring investigation and curiosity to behaviors that distract the mind. We can ask “what am I wanting to distract myself from? Am I attempting to retreat from boredom, or unpleasant body sensations, restlessness or fear?
When we meet a difficulty, can we approach it as a challenge and feel energized and inspired by it? Can we step outside our comfort zone and face and approach the difficulty rather than retreating from it?
For example, during a recent conversation with a friend, I courageously initiated acknowledging that I hadn’t been as available as she would have liked, rather than ignoring that truth, which allowed us to clear the air and bring more honesty into the moment.
Working with energy is a powerful force that requires a gentle touch. And it rests on the previous (and upcoming) Paramis. In this case I’m referring to last month’s focus on Wisdom, and how that quality guides us in discerning when to push through and when to back off.
Working skillfully with energy or effort is taught as involving 4 approaches depending on the situation:
Preventing the arising of unwholesome mind states
Abandoning unwholesome mind states that have arisen
Cultivating the development of wholesome mind states
Maintaining the wholesome mind states that have arisen.
As Joseph Goldstein teaches “Every pattern of our lives should be investigated in light of ‘is this wholesome or unwholesome?’ Then we can apply the appropriate energy to either abandon or develop what we discover”.
This requires careful tracking of the moment to moment arising and passing away of thoughts, emotions and body sensations, and the resolve to stay connected and deliberate in choosing what to energize and what to ignore to allow it to fade into the background.
For example, many of us exert more effort than necessary in our sitting practice. This leads to tension in the body which interferes with relaxing and quieting the mind. By paying closer attention we may discover that “less is more” and enjoy deeper states of being without the strain of overexertion.
Mindful Monday Meditation class offered weekly from 12 noon until 12:35 p.m. is open to all, by donation (to the Family Food Pantry). We have been meeting weekly since January, 2019.
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