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Virya: Difference between revisions
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In Buddhist teachings ''virya'' is one of the ten ''paramitas'' (“perfect virtues” or “highest perfections”) that one must practice and perfect as a prerequisite to the attainment of Bodhisattvahood. Virya has been translated as “strength,” “energy,” “strenuousness,” “manliness,” “zeal,” “courage,” “power,” “diligence,” or “vigor.” | In Buddhist teachings ''virya'' is one of the ten ''paramitas'' (“perfect virtues” or “highest perfections”) that one must practice and perfect as a prerequisite to the attainment of Bodhisattvahood. Virya has been translated as “strength,” “energy,” “strenuousness,” “manliness,” “zeal,” “courage,” “power,” “diligence,” or “vigor.” | ||
This “active compassion” of the [[Bodhisattva]], embracing both fearlessness and virya, finds its ultimate expression as forgiveness. It is impossible to extend compassion to someone if you have not first forgiven him for his transgressions. And in order to be charitable or forgiving, you need virya. If you don’t have strength, you have nothing to give—you | This “active compassion” of the [[Bodhisattva]], embracing both fearlessness and virya, finds its ultimate expression as forgiveness. It is impossible to extend compassion to someone if you have not first forgiven him for his transgressions. And in order to be charitable or forgiving, you need virya. If you don’t have strength, you have nothing to give—you don’t even have the energy to forgive. It takes strength to fulfill your own needs and then have something left over to give to others. | ||
Har Dayal, in his compendium on ''The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature'', writes: | Har Dayal, in his compendium on ''The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature'', writes: | ||