精進 diligence

一般人覺得“精進”

是整個人被榨乾、眼睛佈滿紅根、咬緊牙關、淚流滿面那種感覺

這可能是世俗的精進

但佛教的精進並不是這樣的

佛教的精進是努力去除自己的貪嗔癡和痛苦

越精進，心就越像開冷氣般清涼

Ordinary people might think of "diligence" 

as pushing oneself to the limit—eyes bloodshot, teeth clenched, face drenched in sweat and tears. 

That might be worldly diligence, 

but Buddhist diligence is not like that. 

Buddhist diligence is the effort to remove greed, hatred, delusion, and suffering. 

The more diligent we are, the cooler and more refreshed our mind becomes—like turning on the air conditioning. 

每逢颱風暴雨來襲

香港人都喜歡拿首富李嘉誠開玩笑 （他應該不介意）😂

但努力、盡責的確是李嘉誠的特質😂

李嘉誠說過：”勤奮是個人成功的要素，所謂一分耕耘，一分收穫，一個人所獲得的報酬和成果，與他所付出的努力是有極大的關係的。運氣只是一個小因素，個人的努力才是創造事業的最基本條件。”

李嘉誠活到老，做到老

在退休前，一天甚至工作16-17個小時

如此努力才成就了多年來的商業王國和首富位置

其實不論是世俗的事業還是修行上；努力依然是導向成功非常重要的要素

只要心不是往去除煩惱的方向走，必然會往增生煩惱的方向走

如果不一直努力去除煩惱，道果涅槃根本就遙遙無期

所有歷代有成就的修行者，都是仰賴於努力的加持，才能成功抵達涅槃

而怎樣可以努力？ 只要從中得到快樂，就很自然會努力在要走的路走下去了，根本不用任何人催迫

**Every time a typhoon or heavy storm hits,** 

Hong Kongers love to joke about the topbillionaire Li Ka-shing (he probably doesn’t mind) 😂. 

But hard work and dedication are indeed Li Ka-shing’s defining traits 😂. 

Li Ka-shing once said: *"Diligence is a key factor in personal success. As the saying goes, 'No pain, no gain.' The rewards and achievements a person receives are greatly related to the effort they put in. Luck is only a small factor—personal effort is the most fundamental condition for building a career."* 

Li Ka-shing lived by the principle of working tirelessly, even into old age. 

Before retiring, he sometimes worked **16-17 hours a day.** 

It was this level of effort that built his business empire and secured his position as the richest man for many years. 

In truth, whether in worldly success or spiritual practice, **effort remains a crucial factor in achieving success.** 

If the mind is not directed toward eliminating defilements, it will inevitably move toward increasing them. 

Without continuous effort to remove defilements, the path to path, fruit and nibanna remains distant. 

All accomplished practitioners throughout history relied on the power of diligence to successfully reach liberation. 

**And how can one stay diligent?** 

As long as we find joy in the practice, we’ll naturally persevere on the path—no external pressure needed. 

精進的人是有智慧的人

為什麼這樣說？

拖垮精進的是什麼？ 昏沉睡眠，也就是懶惰！

當被昏沉睡眠侵擾時，內心的清爽和喜悅就被毀滅

雖然不舒服，但一般人還會繼續沉溺下去--大家說這是否傻？

所以如果一個人能夠保持精進，遠離昏沉睡眠，保持內心的清爽和喜悅，這樣的人方為智者

Those who are diligent are truly wise.

Why do we say this? 

What undermines diligence? **Sloth and torpor—in other words, laziness!** 

When sloth and torpor takes over, it destroys the mind's clarity and joy. 

Even though it feels unpleasant, most people still indulge in it—now, wouldn’t you call that foolish?  

So, if someone can stay diligent, free from sloth and torpor, and maintain a bright, joyful mind—**that’s truly a  wise person.** 

"If you truly want it,

then hurry—

strive with urgency!

Practice diligently

every day, every month, every year,

with every breath in and out.

This will destroy

greed, anger, and delusion...

「若真想要，

速速精進！

日日用功，

月月勤修，

年年不懈，

於一呼一吸間用功。

如此方能摧破

貪瞋癡......」

Luang Pu Suang Siripunyo

cred. to Ajahn Golf 阿贊高爾夫 อาจารย์กอล์ฟ 

"To cultivate oneself toward goodness

is not a one-day task.

As the Buddha taught:

‘Viriyena dukkham acceti’—

‘One overcomes suffering through perseverance.’

This is the Buddha’s timeless advice.

Whoever practices it,

wherever they are,

will surely benefit.

But perfection isn’t achieved in a day—

we must strive daily.

If you attain purity,

like the Buddha’s noble disciples,

you’ll witness the wonder of his teachings.

Today, no need for lengthy words—

just apply the Dhamma to transform your mind:

‘Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṁ’—

‘Abstain from all evil.’

Erase the greed,

the anger,

the laziness—

all defilements within.

No need to ask how.

Uproot these,

and happiness will surely follow.

That’s all..."

「培育自己的良善，非一日之功。

佛言：

『透過精進度苦海』（Viriyena dukkham acceti）

此即佛陀的教誨。

無論何人，依教奉行，

無論何處，皆得利益。

然圓滿非朝夕可成——

須日日精勤。

若達清淨，如佛聖弟子般，

自見佛法不可思議。

今日無需多言——以正法調伏自心吧！

『諸惡莫作』（Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṁ）

滌除貪欲、

瞋恚、

懈怠——

一切心中穢垢。

不必問人。

淨此諸染，

安樂自然現前。

說完......」

Luang Pu Prida (Tui) Chandakaro

cred . to Ajahn Golf 阿贊高爾夫 อาจารย์กอล์ฟ