Energy: without energy it is difficult to do anything. Energy is tied in with Effort. We may have the Wisdom but we may not have the Energy to put it into practice. We may have the Compassion but we don't have the Energy to manifest it. We may have the confidence but we don't have the Energy to manifest it in our life by changing our lifestyle. Energy is a very dynamic Parami. It allows the Paramis that are more "stepping back" or not so dynamic to manifest in our actions, speech and thoughts. We can think about the practice a lot, but if we don't have the energy we don't actually manifest it or put it into practice. So, Energy is a very dynamic Parami and is necessary for all of us to develop. Those of us that have a strong Energy Parami will often keep going in the practice much longer than say perhaps one who is clever.
So, how do we develop Energy, and Right Effort? Understanding Dukkha develops Energy, understanding our precious opportunity develops Energy, understanding how short a time we have develops Energy. We have been doing a lot of death reflection in the beginning stages of the retreat. Understanding our precious human potential develops Energy. People who are too lazy in the practice often don't achieve much, so it is quite important to know how to develop this Energy Parami.
Determination links in with Energy. Those who have a strong Determination Parami often will have a strong Energy Parami. Determination is often developed through confidence. Confidence in the direction, confidence in the human potential, confidence in being able to trust our insight into Dukkha, and not be swayed by the world which says there is no Dukkha. Confidence, determination, Energy, and of course Compassion and Wisdom help with developing Energy as well. They all tie in with each other, but without Energy, as I said, our insights are not totally manifested. Energy is a very important Parami.