..续本文上一页 that and so that is what arises. However, the Four Ways to Success are not concerned with such low gratifications but are directed at fulfilling our high and virtuous aspirations. They are the four means to achieve those aims that lie within the reach of us human beings.

　　Together with satisfaction there is diligent effort,7 attentiveness and application8 to the work, and all-around wisdom.9 These combine to form a single effective force in accomplishing the single objective.

　　This is the Dhamma that builds the complete and whole human being. The heart becomes firmly based. Efforts to accomplish the work are consolidated with excellent principles, methods and suitable customs and traditions. All of this ensures that those who take up the practice do not go counter to the basic principles of Dhamma. Once the heart is attuned to Dhamma in this way it is safeguarded with the Dhamma-protection and will steadily prosper. Harmful factors will fade, because regardless of how long the heart had fallen into misery it was not ruined without any hope of renewal. For once the heart is purged through exertion it will be left bright, serene and happy. This then is the key, the vital instrument in turning our aspiration into full reality. A mere passive wishing or easy discouragement will abort such accomplishments.

　　Whatever you are doing or thinking, never forget our great Teacher, the Lord Buddha. When discouragement presses down, recollect his example. His persistent exertion and his Awakening through using these Dhamma factors of faith, effort, mindfulness, samadhi, and wisdom. This is how he attained to Awakening.

　　What direction should one take to develop and nourish peace of mind

　　 So that, at the very least, you can claim to be following the way, with a guide and teacher

　　 The Lord Buddha explained his own fruitful practice in an orderly and methodical way, so there”s really no alternative way to try.

　　"Dhamma.m sarana.m gacchaami: I go to refuge in Dhamma"

　　— this phrase finds its source in the five factors of faith, diligent effort, mindfulness, samadhi and wisdom. It”s these five factors that arose with the Lord Buddha himself.

　　"Sangha.m sarana.m gacchaami" — going for refuge to the Sangha is just the same. None of the noble disciples, regardless of their (former) wealth or class, were weak-willed or easily discouraged. Once gone forth into Dhamma”s Way they were characterized by their energy and diligent effort. This aspect of exertion is a vital factor in steadily uplifting the quality of one”s heart. These five factors and four ways go together to raise the heart, releasing it from the oppressed condition of worldlings sunk in suffering.

　　Some of the disciples walked on their meditation path until their feet blistered. How”s that for striving! Some didn”t lie down for three months at a time. The Ven. Cakkhupala strove like that until his eyes ruptured and were broken and blinded. Is that enduring in one”s endeavor or not

　　As for us, there”s no need to ruin our body but it would be good if we could at least make the defilements suffer a bit; so that they run away and hide. Don”t let them swarm all over the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind. Once infested with defilements you”ll never be able to find Dhamma or anything essential within the heart. How on earth are you going to find any peace

　　We must rely on these Dhamma factors to overcome those defilements that remain dominant in the heart. These principles of Dhamma must be taken deeply to heart — don”t cherish anything else. They are the tools that will steadily deliver the heart to the perfect freedom that we all prize so highly. Your choice is between the heart of freedom and the heart under the domination of the defilements. So which is better, the slave totally depriv…

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