初學六波羅蜜時，彷彿遇到一個明確的路標，指示我如何進一步修行。當時還不明白「精進修行」是指時時刻刻不斷用功，因為隨時檢視起心動念，才能在每個當下保持覺性，而且每一個念頭都會招感果報。

　　我以前的工作總要設定目標，在修行路上我也設下「精進波羅蜜」的目標，包括誦經、供養、出坡等。我誦英文版《金剛經》一年後，背會了大部分的經文，於是就開始學習誦念中文版。深深感恩從古至今，所有付出生命、離鄉背井、學習外語、譯經弘法的法師們，沒有他們，我們是沒有機會學佛的。

　　疫情封城時，我有時間靜下來檢討改進過去的言行。我每天反問自己：「在身口意上有精進努力嗎？」答案總是不變的：「要更努力。」若當天沒時間誦經及反省檢討，我還是會努力保持起善念。 「八正道」是我修行的依據。面對境界時，我常檢視自己對佛法的知見是否正確。這時我會回頭複習佛法開示，閱讀佛陀與弟子、祖師大德的公案，因為他們是精進修行的最佳典範。

　　我知道自己離常行精進還很遙遠，或許在成道的路上，可能會在原地打轉、退步、或偶爾走錯路，但我相信最後一定會找到路頭、向前邁進。

Turning Your Thoughts Around Is Diligence

　　When I first read the Six Paramitas, I felt like I had come across a clear guide on how to move forward in my practice. I didn’t realize "diligence in practice" was a 24/7 effort because bringing awareness to every moment, whether in action or in thought, requires examining my intention, as there will surely be consequences.

　　Coming from a work experience where there were always goals, I set targets for sutra recitation, giving to charities, and a certain hours of volunteer work per week. After a year of reciting the Diamond Sutra, I have memorized a good portion of it and learned to recite it in Chinese. I'm deeply grateful to all Dharma Masters who dedicated their lives and crossed continents to learn a new language, took great effort to expound on Buddha's teachings, and those who translated sutras into English. Without them, many of us would have missed out on Buddha's teachings.

　　In this pandemic, I found the quietness to examine my past actions, reactions, and choices. Each day I ask myself, "Have I done my best to practice consistently and diligently in thoughts, intentions, and actions?" The answer would always be the same, "Do more." Maybe that day I had less time to recite sutras and reflect quietly, but I could still diligently practice having good intentions and good thoughts. The anchor to my practice is Eightfold Path. In daily life situations—past or present, oftentimes doubts arose as to whether I had interpreted the teachings correctly. I go back to the Dharma talks and stories told on the Buddha and his disciples and on the Patriarchs. These are great examples and analogies of how to cultivate.

　　I acknowledge that I'm far from having a consistent and diligent practice. Perhaps on the path to enlightenment, I may go around in circles, sometimes hopping backwards, occasionally skidding sideways, but I believe that I will eventually manage to take a step forward.