Among my disciples are those who are diligent and those who are lazy. Some make excuses every time they are assigned a task. One disciple excuses himself by saying that someone more qualified should do the job. When I tell him that he should adopt the bodhisattva spirit and practice diligence, he says that he is satisfied to become the last bodhisattva to attain buddhahood. He once said, "Haven't you heard that Ksitigarbha, the Earth Store Bodhisattva, vowed not to accomplish buddhahood until the last sentient being had attained liberation? Well, let me tell you, I'm that last person. Everyone else can become a buddha before me". Eventually, his self-disparagement will lead to self-pity and an overall negative perception about himself and his abilities. But in reality, he is simply lazy and causes trouble for himself and others. People like this Will rely on others to care for them, and drag everyone else's efforts down. As a result, they cannot gain genuine benefit from their practice.

A healthy body with a lazy mind will eventually drag the body down. This will cause afflictions of the mind to flourish. Individuals who cultivate diligence have strong and healthy minds, and are more likely to also have healthy bodies, and they will feel elation in the Dharma.

According to one ancient treatise, there are three types of diligence. The first is diligence that is like armor; the second is the diligence that is able to gather all virtues; the third is the diligence that benefits all sentient beings.

Diligence that is like Armor

The diligence that is like armor manifests as fearless courage, enabling one to overcome all obstacles. One sees no enemy because nothing appears as an obstruction, and therefore nothing causes problems. One's diligence impels one forward fearlessly. When assigned a task, some people complain before even getting started. "Shifu, I see so many problems with this." These complainers see trouble rather than an opportunity. But there are others who take all impediments and difficulties as part of the process of spiritual growth and learning. They perceive problems as opportunities to enhance their own skills. As a result, they profit from even the most difficult challenges. Such people are practicing the paramita of diligence.