The Noble Eightfold Path: Proper Effort (Skillful Means or Diligence) - The First of the Three Mental Development Aspects of the Path

Proper Effort is needed to develop one's Mind, because one is often distracted or tempted to take the easy way.

The Buddha taught attaining True Happiness and Awakening (Enlightenment) depends on one's own efforts. Effort is the root of all achievement. So, no matter how great the Buddha's achievement or how excellent his Teaching, one must put the Teaching into practice before one can expect to obtain results.

There are four types of Proper Effort that should be practiced.

These four are:

1 . . . The Effort to prevent the arising of unwholesome thoughts of greed, hatred, and ignorance.

2 . . . The Effort to rid oneself of the unwholesome thoughts that have arisen.

3 . . . The Effort to develop wholesome thoughts of generosity, loving kindness, and other positive qualities.

4 . . . The Effort to maintain the wholesome thoughts that have arisen, even though they may not be appreciated by others.