The Six Paramitas - Dana Paramitas (1/6)

 

Paramita means perfection the noblest, most excellent, highest qualities. 

It symbolises the crossing from the shore of confusion and suffering to the shore of liberation and enlightenment. It groups the six actions to be performed to reach a state of realisation.

The six paramitas, or transcendent perfections, are an essential concept in the practice of Mahayana Buddhism. They are so fundamental, in fact, that the “Vehicle of the Perfections” is a synonym for Mahayana itself. The Pali or Theravada tradition also includes perfections, referred to as paramis, but a discussion of these is out of the scope of this article.

“If we want to obtain enlightenment by becoming a Bodhisattva, it is necessary to actualize wisdom and compassion. This is done through the practice of what are called the six paramitas, or 'transcendental actions.' 

Para in Sanskrit literally means the 'other shore.' Here, it means going beyond our own notion of the self. From the Buddhist point of view in general and from the Mahayana point of view in particular, if we want to progress properly on the path, we need to go beyond our conventional understanding of the self. 

When we say that paramita means 'transcendental action,' we mean it in the sense that actions or attitudes are performed in a non-egocentric manner. 'Transcendental' does not refer to some external reality but rather to the way in which we conduct our lives and perceive the world—either in an egocentric or a non-egocentric way. The six paramitas are concerned with the effort to step out of the egocentric mentality.”

The six are generally translated as generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, meditative concentration, and wisdom. Some lists enumerate ten paramitas, the last four of which are aspects of the wisdom paramita and are skillful means, strength, aspiration, and primordial wisdom. These align with the ten stages of the Bodhisattva path. 

What are the six paramitas in Buddhism? The six perfections are : 

1) Generosity (dana)  - Perfection of Generosity is about more than just charitable giving. It is generosity as an expression of selflessness and an acknowledgment that we all coexist with each other. Without attaching to possessions or to ourselves, we live to benefit all beings.  

Perfection of Generosity, the first of the six paramitas, is defined as an attitude of giving. Generosity is divided into

• material giving,
• giving the Dharma, and
• giving protection from fear.

You should practice these three kinds of generosity according to your capacity. At the very least, you should offer sur (burnt offerings) and water tormas, since this offering incorporates all three kinds of giving. 

The four kinds of generosity

• Giving material things
• Giving the Dharma
• Giving protection against fear
• Giving love 
  
  Maitreya Bodhisattva says:

Generosity, in which adverse factors have disappeared,
Endowed with wisdom that is non-conceptual,
Completely fulfils all wishes,
And brings all beings to maturity at the three levels.

Maitreya, Ornament of Mahayana Sutras, XVII, 8

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Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease.

But increase further and further.

 

Dedication of Merit

By this merit, may we then obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrongdoings

May we liberate migratory from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness, and death.

 

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