Determination (Adhiṭṭhāna)

There are various different lists of paramīs which emerged from different historical schools of Buddhism. In at least one 10-item list, a quality called determination appears.

Adhiṭṭhāna or resolution works as a force-multiplier for the rest of our efforts towards spiritual development. We choose a quality we’d like to increase or diminish in ourselves and make a plan to support movement in that direction. Proceed with caution, however, because we could make and stick to a wholesome plan or an unwholesome plan. A burglar can be determined to steal a particular thing; a student of the Buddha might resolve to be truthful in all interactions. Determination without (at least some) wisdom is incomplete — stubbornness is not the same as adhiṭṭhāna. We have to make sure that what we set our hearts on is well-chosen and wholesome, and fortunately, the Buddha gave some guidance here:

[from MN 140, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu] These are the four determinations: the determination for discernment, the determination for truth, the determination for relinquishment, the determination for calm. ‘

In the above sutta the Buddha specifically recommends four objects to set our determination on:

1. cultivating wisdom (discernment),
2. truthfulness,
3. relinquishment (letting go), and
4. strengthening calm.

At the very least this means noticing when these qualities are present in ourselves and when they are absent. If they are present, we can try to figure out what conditions caused them to arise so we can cultivate those conditions in the future. For example, we might notice that certain people or situations bring out these wholesome qualities in us.

Conversely, we can notice when ignorance, carelessness with the truth, clinging, and agitation are present. What conditions cause these qualities to arise in us? What activities or thinking can reduce them? What can we do to avoid the causal conditions in the future? Is there a determination we can make about how to handle ourselves or to change our point of view when we feel we are headed in the wrong direction?

Resolutions we might make as laypeople:

• Daily sitting practice, of any duration, to cultivate calm
• Letting go of chronic irritation at an unchangeable fact of our life
• Applying mindfulness continuously to our use of words
• Studying the Buddha’s teachings in whatever form works best for us (use care with sources)

The best resolution to make is one that you choose yourself. We can all move in the direction of liberation from suffering, but it is not a passive trip; we must apply what wisdom and energy we have available today.