Answer: Even with the correct method, it is not easy for practitioners to achieve the desired results. This is like striking a rock with a hammer; we may hit it a hundred times without making any difference, but the 101st strike might suddenly break the rock. Practicing incorrectly can lead to psychological or neurological issues while practicing correctly does not guarantee immediate results. It requires sustained endeavor, often without any signs of progress. This persistent effort is called Right Endeavor.
In the Gospel, Jesus provided a metaphor that captures this idea: the bride on her wedding night must stay awake, not knowing when the groom will arrive. In ancient times, it might be considered blameworthy if the bride fell asleep before the groom arrived. Jesus used this custom to imply that enlightenment can come unexpectedly, so practitioners must continuously maintain their practice without interruption.
Success in meditation results from a combination of factors, including past merit, inner morality, accurate methods, and sustained effort over time.
Right Endeavor, as part of the Noble Eightfold Path, involves a prolonged period of effort with various challenges and struggles. When the mind is not yet calm, the body may become fatigued, the legs might ache and go numb, and sitting in meditation may be restless and frustrating. This is the time when strong willpower is essential. Those with weak willpower might feel discouraged and give up. Practitioners must cultivate a strong will – not tense, but gentle and firm enough to endure the discomfort and maintain long meditation sessions.
The strength of Right Endeavor is not outwardly expressed; it is not tense but incredibly gentle and determined.
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