Joyous Perseverance (II)
This recap is part 2 of Road to Perfection: Joyous Perseverance.
By Goh Siqi • 10 minute read“
A flawless state of mind that is enthusiastic about accumulating virtue and working for the welfare of living beings, together with the physical, verbal, and mental activity such a state of mind motivates.
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That is the definition of Joyous Perseverance. It refers to this very joyful state of mind that takes delight in virtue. It does not relinquish in the middle or towards the end. Instead, it happens spontaneously all the time. Joyous perseverance is an imperative attitude needed not only in our daily life but also in the learning of Dharma.
Continuing from Part 1 where we elucidate the definition and benefits of joyous perseverance, we will now contemplate some contentious yet imperative case studies. These case studies, however prevalent they may be, proffer insights on how we can apply Buddha’s teachings in our daily life. Let us learn from Venerable Jonathan and the two hosts what we can/should do when faced with situations that challenge our perseverance.
There are two scenarios discussed in this Ventalk: Discouragement and Laziness.
Discouragement
Scenario 1: Finding yourself stuck in an environment with irresponsible coworkers/teammates.
In a team, everyone plays a part. That is what teamwork is. But the power of teamwork falls apart if just one member fails to contribute, and the whole experience can culminate into a nasty one: discordant happens and performance review is affected. In Buddhism, how should we approach such issues? Like Zhi Hao said, life is never smooth-sailing--that is the very nature of life. We don't have supernatural powers and we can't plan everything according to our liking. So what can we do? We can only change our mindset. Cast aside those negative afflictions and set our priorities right. As the project would affect performance reviews, focus on accomplishing it well. Also, this is a good chance to take the lead to check the work and support your members as much as you can.
Likewise, our perspectives of others do not reign supreme all the time. Our judgment of others--often based on apparent, noticeable details --may not be complete and accurate. Our groupmates may have produced low-quality work not due to them being irresponsible but rather, due to their inadequacies in this particular area. They may, surprisingly, perform exceedingly well in other areas. This becomes an opportunity for us to apply joyous perseverance-- the delight in doing virtue. So think about the groupmates’ welfare and how the group, perse, can edge closer to excellence. Be it achieving good project results, better camaraderie, etc.
Definitely, we can't miss out on the topic of Karma. The unpleasant environment we are facing is the fruition of notorious actions done in the past. In essence, you can only blame yourself and not others for the plight you are in. After understanding the what-goes-around-comes-around concept, it is best for us to keep an open mind; accept the sufferings, and work towards the betterment of everyone. This is emblematic of all Bodhisattvas who joyously persevere for the welfare of all beings despite the sufferings incurred. And this spontaneous, joyous effort does not relinquish in the middle or towards the end. We should all learn from the Buddha and Bodhisattvas!
Scenario 2: A challenging task is assigned to you
When faced with a challenging task, it is easy to feel discouraged. At times, if things do not go smoothly as we planned, we feel as if the cosmic forces of the universe are adding more gravity to our plight and the heavens are at odds with us. If such negativities are very much internalised within us, we will only find ourselves in this vicious cycle of hopelessness and dejection. This brings no benefit at all! As cliche as it sounds, “If you never try, you will never know”. So abandon all your fears, despair and ask yourself what is your goal? Better performance review? Better portfolio? Better result? Set these as your motivation. Afterwards, cultivate the power of joy. We should all learn this from kids. Yes, a time when kids become our role models. You know how kids always find joy and laughter in the most simple things? We should also learn from them. Use this attitude when doing tasks and it will make life easier than putting discouragement in the mind.
Also, there is no need to be afraid of failure as these setbacks serve too well as experiences and guides for you to rise again and excel in your next attempt. The acts of Albert Einstein and Steve Jobs are perfect epitomes. Everyone knew that the invention of something noble or unprecedented wasn't an easy task. Albert Einstein did not develop the theory of relativity instantly. Neither was it a light bulb moment. It was in fact days and days of experimental failure. If Einstein had not gone through those relentless trials and errors, we would not have enjoyed the technologies we have become inextricably attached to. Similarly, we would not have the ability to lay our hands on the revolutionary apple products that Steve jobs had painstakingly worked on for years. Carry on the task with a strong motivation in your mind. Whatever the result--good or bad--it will always be rewarding!
Scenario 3: Searching for your loved ones/precious pet from a dangerous place but with no help
Imagine yourself languishing in a place fraught with strife and gunfire. Of course, you don’t just charge into the war zone empty-handed. You bring all your necessary equipment. This goes to show that precaution is both a pragmatic and efficacious approach. When you are in danger, sincere supplications to the Triple Gems (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and reciting of mantras are requisite for protection against negative circumstances. Remember, the Triple Gems are your confidant; your reliable precaution!
Along the journey, as circumstances are not evolving the way you wished, you might find yourself teetering between retreating and advancing. But imagine the one being trapped is you. You, as well, would hope for someone to save you. Right? Create this motivation within you and carry on without relinquishing. Also, there is no point in feeling discouraged. What you will gain from discouragement is nothing but incremental fear and despair.
Laziness
Scenario 1: You agreed to help your parents accomplish an urgent task but was suddenly invited by your friends/girlfriends/boyfriends to go out.
When faced with such a situation, the temptation is real. The whole rigmarole of accomplishing the task makes it unappealing and more often than not, we are naturally drawn towards a more less-hassle, attractive choice. If we were to constantly proceed with the latter choice, it would culminate into an undesired habit of laziness and procrastination. This habit of ours, if not rectified in this lifetime, will resurface in the next lives. Besides, our impetus for doing virtuous deeds will, slowly but surely, diminish over time. Hence, it is imperative to develop the power of steadfastness. Since a promise is made, one ought to complete it diligently, just like how patients hope their doctor would fully treat them and not abandon them halfway through. If we fail to help our parents, it would be upsetting as they are the backbone of our upbringing. It is not a ‘should’ or ‘can’, but rather a ‘must’ for filial piety to be deeply cemented in our psyche. Nicholas brought up an analogy of a tree. If there are no roots to support the whole weight of the tree, it would have fallen. We are just like the tree and the roots are our parents. Since young, they carry the whole burden of supporting us; grooming us; providing us with nutrients, and that's how we are able to stand firmly on our feet to face the world--just like how the roots, which are firmly latched in the soil, allowed the tree to stand. And now, the roles are reversed: Parents are the trees, and we are the roots. Like Nicholas said, our parents' well being is built upon the foundation of filial piety. It is only with filial piety, can our parents be a ‘strong tree’
In whatever you do, however mundane and unappealing the task may be, learn to adopt armour-like perseverance, --defined as a relentless approach to gathering virtue and acting for the welfare of living beings. So always be proactive in helping others!
Scenario 2: Your project initially received tremendous appraisal. But you and your members soon got complacent which resulted in the project being incomplete and having to retain another year.
Again, the power of steadfastness is an imperative antidote. Bring whatever you do to a conclusion and never turn back. Otherwise relinquishing in the process would have rendered the efforts previously invested to waste.
An appraisal is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can motivate you. On the other hand, it can blind your vision; your rationality. After being showered with accolades, it is not surprising that some of us wandered unconsciously into the abyss of complacency and laziness. Over here, Lex brings up an important point: even some laziness in the mind causes all good qualities--mundane and supermundane-- to be lost. This is clearly true, as exemplified by how the quality of mindfulness is greatly reduced when one is lazy. Just take this case study as an example. Because of such praises, one becomes lazy, and his mind remains in that restless, idle state in which he becomes oblivious to important details such as the project’s deadline. See the corrosive nature of laziness!
To tame the beast--laziness--you will need mindfulness of death. Like the saying: “time is of the essence”, we need to treasure our time. Use our precious time to proactively accumulate virtuous merits in order to land us in a happier realm and to meet the Buddha’s teachings in our next life. Take note, a procrastinating mind will never get anything done!
Scenario 3: You did not have a good sleep for the past 3 days and are currently in charge of ICU for another 6 hours.
If the lack of sleep is due to work exhaustion: the rush, the seemingly endless patients to administer, the many overtime hours, it is worth taking a break. While s0me would force themselves to keep awake, it is apparent to note that circumstances in the ICU are changing in immeasurable ways. A slight inattentiveness can cost someone else's life. Adopting the power of relinquishment is necessary in this case. Allow yourself to heal physically and mentally by resting. Because that is the only way you can regain your energy/positivity, and be in the right state to care for others. Over here, Lex gave us an important insight: Although the possibility of someone dying in those six hours of your shift is low, the Law of impermanence taught in the lamrim tells us that we cannot rely on probability and assume that sleeping during a shift cannot cause the death of another person. Understand that you have a responsibility and although the probability of someone dying is low, it does not mean that it wouldn't happen. So before we start anything, think about the potential consequences. If you are sleep deprived, you will not be able to complete your task with full alert!
Allow me to sidetrack from this case study. If you are not sleep deprived but experienced the cause of laziness, you might want to contemplate if it is due to you viewing the task as unimportant. If we want to do something or we need to do something, we will do it by hook or by crook and with full attention and effort. Lex gave a good analogy. For some of us who are non-athletes, running 5km every day would seem like an impossible task. We would shy away from it and give abundant of excuses. However, if the doctor says that you have 1 month to live unless you run 5km every day, would you complete the task? Definitely yes! Because you prioritise your life--your life is important to you and you understand well the pros and cons of running 5km a day. Of course, what was previously deemed as an impossible task has now become a task you would fervently accomplish. This goes to show how priorities affect one’s way of doing things. For whatever we are doing, especially if we are tending to patients, we need to set our priorities right and view them as important. Venerable Jonathan explained that you should restrain yourself from acts of laziness/negligence/sleepiness and make an aspiration for such thoughts to not resurface again. When you make this aspiration, you will wake up because your mental strength has increased.
