SKILLFUL EFFORT

SKILLFUL EFFORT

―Train yourself in doing good that lasts and brings happiness. Cultivate generosity, the life of peace, and a mind of boundless love.‖

- Itivuttaka 1.22

Central to developing skillful effort is being able to discern what is skillful (kusala) from what is unskillful (akusala); What is wholesome and healthy and what is not? We must ask, “What causes harm to ourselves and others and what is beneficial and helpful?” This takes some reflection and is not always obvious. Many of us have long standing patterns of thoughts, speech, and action that cause gross or subtle harm. We can be so used to doing things a certain way that we do not see that our actions are unskillful. As our practice develops there is a refinement of what is skillful and what is not. Most practitioners have many areas in their life where greater clarity comes with practice. As change is implemented and new, more skillful patterns are established, we can see more clearly the harm we once were causing, and rejoice in the healthier patterns we are establishing. The Buddha described 4 specific ways to practice skillful effort:

1. Prevent new unskillful states from arising. 2. Abandon unskillful states that have already arisen. 3. Develop new skillful states. 4. Maintain and strengthen skillful states that have already arisen.

As mentioned earlier, we want to reflect on these practices before, during, and after any action we take be it mental, verbal, or physical. It is helpful to consider if one or more of the root defilements (greed, hatred, or delusion) are present. If we can be certain that they are all absent and that their opposites (generosity/renunciation, lovingkindness, and wisdom) are present, then it is skillful. Skillful effort provides balance to mindfulness. In developing mindfulness, we are strengthening the skill of accepting what is present in each moment. However, we need to look out for and not accept that which is unwholesome, harmful, or not useful. It is important in working with skillful effort to realize that we are human and will make many mistakes. We need to be gentle with and forgiving of ourselves and to realize that it takes time and work to develop these skills. The practice of lovingkindness (see page 90) can help us to accept our faults, let go of our guilt, and strengthen our stamina for further purifying our thoughts, speech, and behaviors.