Pāramitās (Sanskrit: पारमिता, Pali: Pāramī)
The Pāramitās (Perfections) are a set of virtues that are cultivated on the Buddhist path to enlightenment, especially in Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. These perfections represent the qualities that a bodhisattva must develop in order to attain Buddhahood and benefit all sentient beings. The word pāramitā means “that which has reached the other shore,” symbolizing the transcendence of worldly limitations and delusions.
The Six Pāramitās (Mahayana Tradition):
In Mahayana Buddhism, the most common list includes six pāramitās that a bodhisattva practices. These are qualities that aid in the accumulation of merit and wisdom necessary for Buddhahood:
Generosity is the first of the perfections and involves selfless giving, whether of material goods, time, or wisdom. The perfection of dāna means giving without attachment to the act or expectation of reward, thus fostering compassion and kindness. 2. Śīla Pāramitā (Ethical Conduct, शील पारमिता) Ethical conduct involves following moral precepts and living in harmony with others. It includes refraining from harmful actions and practicing virtues such as truthfulness, kindness, and integrity. Śīla serves as the foundation for spiritual development by promoting wholesome behaviors that benefit both oneself and others. 3. Kṣānti Pāramitā (Patience, क्षान्ति पारमिता) Patience or forbearance refers to the ability to endure difficulties, hardship, or harm without becoming angry or resentful. This includes patience with others, patience with one’s own suffering, and patience in the face of adversity, allowing the practitioner to maintain a calm and compassionate attitude. 4. Vīrya Pāramitā (Energetic Effort, वीर्य पारमिता) Energetic effort or diligence is the perseverance needed to sustain progress on the path. Vīrya involves joyful and tireless effort in practicing the Dharma, overcoming laziness, and committing to the long-term development of wisdom and compassion. 5. Dhyāna Pāramitā (Meditative Concentration, ध्यान पारमिता) Meditative concentration refers to the ability to focus the mind with clarity and stability. The cultivation of dhyāna allows practitioners to transcend distractions, develop deep insight into the nature of reality, and access states of profound stillness and awareness. 6. Prajñā Pāramitā (Wisdom, प्रज्ञा पारमिता) Wisdom is the insight into the true nature of reality, especially the realization of emptiness (śūnyatā), the interdependent nature of all phenomena, and the impermanence of existence. Prajñā is considered the highest perfection, as it directly leads to the liberation of the mind from delusions and suffering.
The Ten Pāramitās (Expanded List):
In some Mahayana texts, such as the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, an expanded list of ten pāramitās is provided, adding four additional perfections:
7. Upāya Pāramitā (Skillful Means, उपाय पारमिता)
The ability to use skillful means (upāya) refers to adapting the teachings of the Dharma to the needs of different beings. A bodhisattva uses this perfection to compassionately guide others according to their capacities, ensuring that the teachings are accessible and effective. 8. Praṇidhāna Pāramitā (Aspiration, प्राणिधान पारमिता) Aspiration or determination involves setting a strong and selfless intention to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This perfection strengthens the bodhisattva’s resolve to continue their practice for the welfare of others, even over countless lifetimes. 9. Bala Pāramitā (Spiritual Power, बल पारमिता) Spiritual power refers to the strength and capabilities developed through practice, including mastery over the mind and senses, as well as the ability to assist others on the path. This power is used compassionately and skillfully to guide others toward liberation. 10. Jñāna Pāramitā (Knowledge, ज्ञान पारमिता) Knowledge or higher wisdom refers to the full understanding of the ultimate truth and the nature of reality. It encompasses the culmination of wisdom and insight, allowing a bodhisattva to see reality without distortion and act in accordance with that truth for the benefit of all beings.
The Role of Pāramitās in the Bodhisattva Path:
The practice of the pāramitās is central to the bodhisattva path, where one commits to cultivating both wisdom (prajñā) and compassion through these perfections. A bodhisattva develops the pāramitās over countless lifetimes to purify their mind, accumulate merit, and ultimately achieve Buddhahood.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, the pāramitās are also integral, often integrated into advanced practices such as deity yoga and visualization, helping practitioners accelerate their progress toward enlightenment.
Summary:
• The Pāramitās are the perfections that bodhisattvas cultivate to attain enlightenment and assist all sentient beings.
• The six pāramitās—generosity, ethical conduct, patience, energetic effort, meditative concentration, and wisdom—form the core list, with some traditions expanding to ten.
• These virtues are practiced with the intention of transcending worldly attachments and delusions, ultimately leading to Buddhahood.
• The pāramitās combine wisdom and compassion, allowing practitioners to benefit themselves and others on the path to liberation.