Pāramitā

Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita Bodhisattva Helping

Pāramitā refers to the Perfections or Perfect Virtues in Mahāyāna Buddhism, which are practices and qualities cultivated by Bodhisattvas in order to achieve Enlightenment. The concept of Pāramitā is central to the Mahāyāna path and is often enumerated as six or sometimes ten practices. These practices are not only meant for personal liberation but are undertaken with the motivation to benefit all sentient beings.

The Six Pāramitās

The six Pāramitās are:

1. Dāna Pāramitā: The perfection of Generosity. This involves giving to others without expecting anything in return, including giving material goods, protection, or wisdom.
2. Śīla Pāramitā: The perfection of Morality or ethical conduct. This means adhering to ethical precepts, acting with integrity, and living in a way that does not harm others.
3. Kṣānti Pāramitā: The perfection of Patience. This involves enduring hardship, practicing tolerance, and being patient with others, even in the face of provocation or harm.
4. Vīrya Pāramitā: The perfection of Energy or diligence. This is about exerting effort towards virtuous practices, overcoming laziness, and persevering in the path to enlightenment.
5. Dhyāna Pāramitā: The perfection of Meditation. This entails practicing meditation to develop concentration, calmness, and insight into the nature of reality.
6. Prajñā Pāramitā: The perfection of Wisdom. This is the direct understanding of the true nature of reality, which is seen as the culmination of the other perfections and essential for achieving enlightenment.

The Ten Pāramitās

In some traditions, four additional Pāramitās are included, making a total of ten:

7. Upāya Pāramitā: The perfection of skillful means. This involves using wisdom to find the most effective ways to benefit others. 8. Praṇidhāna Pāramitā: The perfection of resolve or aspiration. This is the setting of bodhisattva vows, aspiring to achieve enlightenment for the sake of all beings. 9. Bala Pāramitā: The perfection of spiritual power. This includes the abilities to overcome obstacles and to manifest beneficial qualities and conditions. 10. Jñāna Pāramitā: The perfection of knowledge. This is the understanding of all aspects of reality, beyond the conventional wisdom.

Significance in Mahāyāna Buddhism

The practice of the Pāramitās is considered essential for the development of the Bodhisattva path. By cultivating these virtues, practitioners work towards the ultimate goal of enlightenment not just for themselves but for the benefit of all beings. The Pāramitās are often the subject of Mahāyāna Sūtras, where they are taught by the Buddha and other enlightened beings to guide practitioners on their spiritual journey.

See Also

• Bodhisattva
• Mahāyāna Sūtras
• Enlightenment in Buddhism
• Sentient beings (Buddhism)