Luang Por Liem: The Ways of the Peaceful - Wat Pah Nanachat

spiritual qualities that we have accumulated (parami 30 ) come to
our support. Our character traits and habits will change
accordingly. The principles of practice that we are applying are
definitely capable of causing some positive changes in us.
When we practice, we hope and aspire to eventually attain to
purity and perfection. This entails putting those teachings into
practice which will enable us to experience an understanding of
Dhamma. The bodhipakkhiya-dhammas 31 , one can say, contain
some of the best teachings for the training and practice. For
example the “Ways to Success” (iddhipadas):
chanda (zeal, aspiration),
viriya (energy, diligent effort),
citta (thoughtfulness, active thought, dedication),
vimamsa (investigation and examination).
These are all qualities that we need to arouse in ourselves. For
example viriya, putting forth effort.
In putting forth effort, there needs to be continuity. One needs
to put one’s heart into the practice, maintaining an interest and
motivation that doesn’t expire. One needs to refine one’s
experience by reflecting on Dhamma, investigating the conditions
that one is practicing with, not letting feelings of discouragement
30 parami (Pali): the spiritual potential built up in practicing certain virtues.
31 bodhipakkhiya-dhammas (Pali): the “Wings to Awakening”; a group of
qualities that the Buddha considered essential for realizing Nibbana,
comprising the four satipatthanas, the four sammappadhanas, the four
iddhipadas, the five indriyas and the five balas (saddha, viriya, sati, samadhi,
pañña), the seven bojjhangas (sati, dhamma-vicaya, viriya, piti, passaddhi,
samadhi, upekkha) and the Noble Eightfold Path.
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