The third type of diligence is that which benefits sentient beings. This is the diligence of great bodhisattvas Who will pursue sentient beings to hell, heaven, or any all other realm of existence, to ensure that they will gain liberation. This kind of dedication to assure the liberation of ordinary people is very different from the romantic pursuits of men and women. Bodhisattvas do not expect anything from sentient beings, and they are not there to impose any ideas, or to force anything upon others. Bodhisattvas are there to benefit sentient beings, to make them feel secure and at ease, and to provide them with opportunities to move towards liberation.

Practicing the Three Types of Diligence

To summarize, the vocation of monastics is to practice these three types of diligence-the diligence like armor, the diligence that gathers all virtues, and the diligence that benefits others. The first type of diligence gives rise to vows that will be like armor to protect practitioners from obstructions on the path to buddhallood. The second type of diligence is realized through personal experience of the Dharma while engaging in virtuous deeds. The third type of diligence is to share with other sentient beings the benefits of personal practice. This is precisely the undertaking of a monk or a nun-to make full use of their rare opportunity for practice and cultivation. If they miss the opportunity in this lifetime, they may not get it again in future lives.