Making vows is essential to Buddhist practitioners. The vows can be small, great, or ultimate. A small vow can be just for a day; a great vow can be over a long span of time. The highest form of vow is an ultimate vow that is made continuously, and that is to attain buddhahood for the sake of others. With diligence, one will persevere in helping sentient beings regardless of whatever calamity or obstacle may occur. Having made vows like these, you dare not become lax; you will constantly remind yourself to go forward.

When reflecting upon our own physical condition, we can see that our energy and life force are impermanent and limited. But with diligence and vows, it is possible even with limited resources to accomplish unlimited results. We reap according to what we sow. Great effort will gain great results; partial effort will only get partial results. If we put forth no effort at all, we will get no results. The point is that we have the choice to exert all of our effort, and to accomplish our vows. If we absorb ourselves diligently in the task we wish to accomplish, we will be very surprised by what we can achieve. We will be amazed that we can actually do so much for so many, despite having a limited physical body. This is all due to diligence.