An Analysis of Viriya in Practicing Vipassana Meditation to Attain Enlightenment

Abstract

This thematic contains 2 objectives: 1) to study Viriya or effort in Theravada Buddhist scriptures, and 2) to analyze the role of Viriya in practice of Vipassanā meditation for the enlightenment attainment. It employed research using a descriptive analysis approach. The result showed that Viriya is derived from the word Vīra which means courage, the effort of brave, persistence, and perseverance. It refers to the resolute, unflagging effort of a person who undertakes various tasks with diligence. Viriya is a neutral term used to support actions leading to happiness, such as diligent practice in both Samatha and Vipassanā meditation. Viriya is a virtue which is an essential part of Dhamma wheel, often appearing with other virtues as a component of the Bodhipakkhiyadhamma. Vipassanā meditation means the awareness development to realize the true nature of Rūpa-nāma, abandoning attachment, desire or taṇhā and wrong views or Diṭṭhi, and being free from all suffering. The Vipassanā practice follows the Four Foundations of Mindfulness investigation called Satipaṭṭhāna. Viriya is a required factor for this practice. The key qualities of Vipassana meditation include: 1) Ātāpī or effort, involving the diligent for defilements abandonment; 2) Satimā or mindfulness or awareness in every present-moment and 3) Sampajāno or clear comprehension all times.       Ātāpī signifies in the Four Right Exertions called 4 Sammappadhāna. This diligent effort for Vipassanā meditation serves to abandon defilements and it is synthesized in the Noble Eightfold Path. Right effort involves with mindful contemplation on the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects. This practice relies on 3 essential factors: Ātāpī, Sampajāno and Satimā which function for abandoning all defilements, realizing the 4 Ariyasacca and attaining 9 supra-mundane paths, the fruits, and Nibbāna.