The Six Paramitas: 4. Virya (Energy) - Intention and Drive

This is part four of our six-part series on the Zen Paramitas - the transcendent practices that carry us across from the shore of suffering to the shore of awakening. Today, we focus on Virya (meaning energy, diligence, effort). Zen defines virya as the "attitude of gladly engaging in what is wholesome." In this talk I explore what is wholesome, how we can engage gladly and how this attitude points us to our root intention for practice. I touch on energy in terms of what's needed to change unskilful habits and behaviours, the energy of helping others, and the energy of awakening (bodaishin). Along the way we touch on the middle way and the balance between effort and relaxation, and how to centre our energy in the Hara (the belly centre). If you want to hear more on this 6-part series, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell 🔔 You can offer a donation in exchange for this teaching here https://buymeacoffee.com/westmoquette #dharmatalk #zen #virya #righteffort