Paramita

ParamitaPāramitā (Sanskrit) or Parami (Pāli): “Perfection” or “Transcendent”.

In Buddhism, the Paramitas refer to the perfection or culmination of certain practices.

These practices are cultivated by Bodhisattvas for crossing from sensuous life (Samsara) to Enlightenment (Nirvana).

In Theravada Buddhism, the Ten Perfections (Paramis) are; (original terms in Pali)

  1. dāna parami : generosity, giving of oneself
  2. sila parami : virtue, morality, proper conduct
  3. nekhamma parami : renunciation
  4. panna parami : transcendental wisdom, insight
  5. viriya parami : energy, diligence, vigour, effort
  6. kṣanti parami : patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance
  7. sacca parami : truthfulness, honesty
  8. aditthana parami : determination, resolution
  9. metta parami : loving-kindness
  10. upekkha parami : equanimity, serenity

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajna-paramita) Sutra and Lotus (Saddharmapundarika) Sutra list the Six Perfections as; (original terms in Sanskrit)

  1. Dāna paramita: generosity, giving of oneself
  2. Sila paramita : virtue, morality, proper conduct
  3. Kṣanti paramita : patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance
  4. Virya paramita : energy, diligence, vigour, effort
  5. Dhyāna paramita : one-pointed concentration, contemplation
  6. Prajña paramita : wisdom, insight

The later Ten Stages (Dasabhumika) Sutra lists another four;

7. Upāya paramita: skillful means
8. Pranidhana paramita: vow, resolution, aspiration, determination
9. Bala paramita: spiritual power
10. Jñana paramita: knowledge

Páramitá Paramita Paramita 波羅蜜 Paramitas Парамита

buddha monk

buddha monk