Dear friends,
I have this feeling in my heart, this drive which is difficult to define or quantify.....but it's there all the time. I call it passion for peace. It is more than altruism or compassion or nonviolence.
Recently I've discovered that when the English language of my Western culture fails to provide words to articulate such feelings, then I look to the East for inspiration and fulfillment.
For example, there are no adequate Western translations for the beautiful concepts of metta or ahimsa.
On Wednesday evening here in Edinburgh, my Indian meditation teacher taught me about viriya. And something just clicked..... the missing piece of the puzzle.
This concept is a form of energy and is one of the Five Spiritual Faculties of Buddhism which are conducive to enlightenment. Viriya does not stand for physical strength, it signifies strength of character and the persistent effort for the well-being of others.
The characteristics of this energy are readiness, willingness, enthusiastic ease,
eagerness and keen vigour. The manifestation of viriya is action, exertion,
endeavour, industry, struggle, powerful striving and accomplishment!
But these are just my thoughts. What are yours?
peace & metta,
Gordon
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