On the night of the Buddha’s awakening, he vowed: “I shall not give up my efforts until I have attained liberation by perseverance, energy and endeavor.” This is the quality of viriya, courageous energy, that is the fifth parami. The Buddha’s awakening demonstrated the power of indefatigable energy arising from spiritual urgency—the recognition that now is the only reality.

Practicing the Path to liberation demands unremitting effort exerted in the mind to abandon unskillful mental qualities and develop the skillful. Through this vitality, stillness comes–applying diligent attention, the grace and mystery of life are revealed. By this effort, we do not seek to “improve” ourselves. Rather, we open our minds to understanding the qualities of heart that keep us bound and suffering and those that set us free. This is a radical shift that requires profound compassion.

Exerting courageous energy is not striving and pushing to make something happen. It calls for balance—neither too much effort nor too little. We see when effort is tight and we relax. We see when it is flagging and we arouse energy, with equanimity.

We see when we’re caught, when we’re asleep, when we’re attached, when we’re frightened; and make the effort to let go with courage that which obstructs clear seeing. Doing so, we awaken to the unvarnished truth of experience. Through our effort to be present in body, mind and heart, wisdom arises. Will you arouse effort, energy and vitality in your practice, with some urgency?