The Power of Wise Effort

With this podcast we continue a series of five classes focusing on practices that develop the qualities of heart and mind which are known as the “five spiritual powers.” This week we explore the power of wise effort in Dharma practice.  The effort to be mindful, and to bring the mind back when it wanders, so it knows what is happening right now is really a very delicate balancing act. On the one hand, hard work is needed, in the attempt to keep paying attention. On the other hand, there’s nothing to do, because awareness is already present. It’s just that we’ve been distracted. Wise effort is not striving. Striving leads to clinging. It reinforces the sense of self, and can be very painful. Wise effort isn’t trying to get anything, for there’s nothing to get. Rather, it’s the effort to listen with greater sensitivity. It’s a soft receptivity. Just total surrender, receiving and welcoming whatever is here. When effort is balanced, without any strain, there’s no sense of, “I should do this.” Rather, there’s just a willingness to be present. 

"What can truth or reality gain by all our practice? Nothing whatsoever, of course.   But it is in the nature of truth or love, cosmic consciousness, whatever you want to call it, to express itself, to affirm itself, to overcome difficulties.   Once you've understood that the world is love in action, consciousness or love in action, you will look at it quite differently.   But first your attitude to suffering must change.   Suffering is primarily a call for attention, which itself is a movement of love.   More than happiness, love wants growth, the widening and deepening of awareness and consciousness and being.   Whatever prevents that becomes a cause of pain, and love does not shirk from pain".   Nisargadatta Maharaj

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