Meditation: The First Step; Proper Exertion

As we have already discussed, the Buddha's Eightfold Path is an expansion of Three Trainings; Tisso Sikkha / Shiksha-traya 三学 {san-zue / san-gaku}. One of these is the Training of Meditation; Adhicittta 定學 {ding-zue / jogaku}. The training of meditation is further expanded into three; Proper Exertion, Proper Concentration, and Proper Mindfulness. My take is that Proper Exertion; Samma Vayama / Samyag Vyayama 正精進 {zheng jingjin / sho shojin} is the first step. The Suttas list four of these efforts; they are evidently called cattari sammappadhana:

1. Samvara; Restraint, Blocking, Avoidance: This is the effort to recognize unwholesome mental states -- akushala 不善 {bushan / fuzen}, 惡 {e / aku}, 惡性 {e-xing / akusho}, or 惡業 {e-ye / akugo} -- and prevent them them from arising. The negative, unhealthy, unwholesome mental states are known variously as poisons, fires, hindrances, veils, afflictions, fetters, obsessions, or inflow-outflows; depending on the context.
2. Pahana; Abandonment, Release: This is effort to then abandon or let go of negative mental that have already arisen.
3. Bhavana; Cultivation, Development: This is the effort to arouse positive mental states. There are various lists of these, such as the Four Intangibles or Brahmavihara, the Six Paramitas, the Ten Paramis, the Seven Factors of Awakening, and so on.
4. Anurakkhaṇa, Preservation, Maintenance: The effort to maintain or preserve positive mental states that have already arisen.
   

The Indic terms for exertion, vayama / vyayama, mean something like exercise or gymnastics. The Chinese translation means "to forge ahead vigorously / to dedicate oneself to progress."

One more thing. I think right exertion as a Buddhist Practice is much like physical exertion. It is probably better to devote some time to practice each and every day, than to do a whole lot sporadically. Moreover, we should push ourselves to our limits, and just beyond, but not over do it.