My dear friends,

The thirteenth precept under the seventh point in Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points is:

This precept serves as a reminder to maintain steadfastness and inner stability on the Bodhisattva path, regardless of external conditions. This teaching recalls the the three-point meditation on death as a way of reinforcing the importance of the paramita of virya, or "joyful perseverance":

The Three-Point Meditation on Death

The three-point meditation on death involves reflecting on three key aspects:

• Death is certain.
• The time of death is uncertain.
• Only spiritual development is of benefit at the time of death.

This meditation is meant to cultivate a deep awareness of the impermanence of life, thereby encouraging practitioners to focus on what truly matters—spiritual development. When we internalize the inevitability and uncertainty of death, it becomes clear that clinging to external circumstances is futile. Whether conditions are favorable or unfavorable, our focus should remain on the teachings, on cultivating Bodhicitta, and on progressing along the spiritual path.

By understanding that death can come at any moment and that only our inner spiritual progress will be of value, we are less likely to be swayed by external conditions. Like the precept "Depend not upon other circumstances," this realization reminds us us to root our practice in the certainty of death and the preciousness of the present moment, rather than waiting for ideal external conditions that may never come.

The Paramita of Virya (Joyful Perseverance)

Virya, or joyful perseverance, is the energy and enthusiasm we bring to our spiritual practice. It is the determination to continue practicing, regardless of difficulties or challenges. Joyful perseverance is not merely a gritty endurance but is imbued with a sense of joy and purpose, even in the face of obstacles.

When we commit to "Depend not upon other circumstances," we embody virya by cultivating a resilience that transcends external conditions. Whether circumstances are favorable or challenging, our practice remains steady because our motivation is rooted in bodhicitta, not in the fickle nature of external conditions.

In practice, this means we continue to meditate, study, and engage in compassionate activities, even when life is difficult, when we are tired, or when things don't go as planned. We find joy in the practice itself, not in the results or the circumstances. This joy in perseverance is what sustains us on the path, making our practice indomitable.

Integration of the Teachings

To integrate the teachings of "Depend not upon other circumstances" with the three-point meditation on death and the paramita of virya, consider this approach:

• Meditate on Death: Regularly contemplate the certainty of death, the uncertainty of its timing, and the importance of your spiritual practice. This contemplation will naturally lead to a detachment from external circumstances, as you realize their impermanence and ultimately their insignificance in the face of death.
• Cultivate Joyful Perseverance: Strengthen your resolve to practice regardless of external conditions. By doing so, you embody the paramita of virya. Let the awareness of death fuel your perseverance, knowing that each moment is an opportunity to progress on the path, an opportunity that might not come again.
• Practice Independence from Circumstances: When challenges arise, remind yourself of the precept to depend not upon other circumstances. Reconnect with your inner motivation, the mind of bodhicitta, and continue your practice with joy and diligence, knowing that this is the true and lasting refuge.

These teachings collectively guide you to develop an unwavering commitment to the path – a commitment that does not fluctuate with the changing tides of external conditions, and is deeply inspired by the awareness of life’s impermanence and the joy of perseverance.

The importance of virya (joyful perseverance) is also addressed in the fourteenth precept of Geshe Chekawa's Mind Training in Seven Points:

Here, "this time" refers to our precious human life with its eight freedoms and ten endowments, and especially now when we have the opportunity of pursuing the Bodhisattva path.

This passage underscores the rarity and value of human life, emphasizing the urgency to follow the path with joyful perseverance. Our human existence, endowed with the capacity to understand and practice the teachings, is a unique opportunity that we must not squander. Rather, we must make full use of our present conditions to advance on the Bodhisattva path.

In light of this, virya is not just an energy or force, but a sacred duty to make the most of the precious and fleeting human life we possess, striving diligently in our spiritual practice to benefit all sentient beings.