“Practice definitely requires one to have persistent and enduring patience, and to remain unaffected by the environment. As long as one unceasingly practices, then one will complete the path. It is just like an ox shouldering very heavy loads through a very deep mud. Though extremely exhausted, it cannot afford to be lazy and dares not gaze around; instead, it just wholeheartedly wants to quickly get out of the mire to where it can then rest. If it stops and stands still because it is tired, then it will certainly sink deeper into the mire until finally its whole body has sunk in.

Those who practice the path should also be like this, always fixing their thoughts on the path and not daring to be negligent or lazy. It is then that they are able to accomplish the path and be freed from various sufferings.”

Master Sheng Yen