Right Effort is not always goal and achievement-oriented; it also includes the subtler virtues of non-doing, of yielding and going with the greater flow. through Right Effort we learn how to do the best we can in life, living fully and with all our heart - and then let go, knowing that whatever happens, happens. the universe is beyond our control anyway. trying to control things creates more stress, struggle and irritating friction in the greater system.
the Buddha said, "there is no way to happiness and peace. happiness and peace is the way."
the balanced combination of effort, inner detachment and genuine equanimity helps us to come home within ourselves and arrive at a feeling of inner peace and oneness.
we can live in the total fullness of being, just as we are, rather than always striving for the illusory pot of gold at the end of some vivid yet intangible rainbow.
this great letting go and letting be, brings forth the soulful wisdom of allowing, of being precisely where you are - who you are - what you are, beyond running toward or away from anything.
all this running to-and-fro is a symptom of attachment and aversion and is unfulfilling in the ultimate analysis.
The Four Noble Truth
the Four Noble Truths are the core of the Buddhist Dharma.
(yet they are probably the most misunderstood of the Buddha's teachings.)
on the face of it, the Four Noble Truths have a clear and simple message:
it is the nature of life that all beings will face difficulties; through enlightened living one can transcend these difficulties, ultimately becoming fulfilled, liberated and free.
the First Noble Truth: life is difficult.
the Second Noble Truth: life is difficult because of attachment, because we crave satisfaction in ways that are inherently dissatisfying.
the Third Noble Truth: the possibility of liberation from difficulties exists for everyone.
the Fourth Noble Truth: the way to realise this liberation and enlightenment is by leading a compassionate life of virtue, wisdom and meditation. these three spiritual trainings comprise the teachings of the Eight-Fold-Path to enlightenment.
the First Noble Truth is known as the truth of dukkha.
etymologically speaking, the literal meanings of dukkha are:
hard to bear
dissatisfactory
off the mark
frustrating
hollow
sufferings
this concept the so-called "bad news" of Buddhism has led some people to misconstrue Buddhism as pessimistic and life-denying.
yet, Buddha's primary message - the "good news" of Dharma is that there is a way to be free of suffering. the message of the Dharma is inherently optimistic.
it contains the promise, the real possibility, of spiritual rebirth and the end of suffering - the deathless spiritual enlightenment known as NIRVANA.
before i continue......,
let us review again the Eight-Fold-Path:- (eight steps to enlightenment)
Wisdom Training
1) Right View
2) Right Intentions
Ethics Training
3) Right Speech
4) Right Action
5) Right Livelihood
Meditation Training
6) Right Effort
7) Right Mindfulness
8 ) Right Concentration