Today is the fifth day of Higan week, the three days before the equinox and the three days after. As explained in a Nichiren Shu brochure:
For Buddhists, this period is not just one characterized by days with almost equal portions of light and dark. Rather, it is a period in which we strive to consciously reflect upon ourselves and our deeds.
The today we consider the Perfection of Vigor. For this Spring Higan week I’m using Hsuan Hua‘s commentary on the Lotus Sutra in which he discusses the perfections’ four kinds of corresponding factors.
The pāramitā of vigor. There are also four corresponding factors for practicing the paramita of vigor.
- To break through indolence. If you cultivate with vigor, you’ll be able to overcome indolence. You’ll conquer your tendency to be lazy. If you lack vigor, your laziness will control you. With vigor, you’ll be able to break through laziness.
- To adorn bodhi and gather in living beings.
- To increase [cultivation of] wholesome Dharma and not bother other people. By increasing your cultivation of wholesome Dharma, you bring benefit to yourself. By not bothering others, causing them trouble, or bringing them afflictions, you benefit them.
- To attain bodhi through great strength. By drawing on your great strength, you’ll attain the reward of bodhi.
