Six paramitas: Difference between revisions

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==Written Sources==
==Written Sources==
The six paramitas are mentioned and explained in many of the most important Indian sources, such as [[Nagarjuna]]’s ''[[Letter to a Friend]]'', [[Chandrakirti]]’s ''[[Introduction to the Middle Way]]'' and [[Shantideva]]’s ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''.
The six paramitas are mentioned and explained in many of the most important Indian sources, such as [[Nagarjuna]]’s ''[[Letter to a Friend]]'', [[Chandrakirti]]’s ''[[Introduction to the Middle Way]]'' and [[Shantideva]]’s ''[[Bodhicharyavatara]]''.
==Further Reading==
*Geshe Sonam Rinchen, ''The Six Perfections'', translated by Ruth Sonam, Snow Lion, 1998


[[Category:Key Terms]]
[[Category:Key Terms]]
[[Category:Enumerations]]
[[Category:Enumerations]]

Revision as of 13:25, 18 July 2007

The six paramitas or 'transcendent perfections' comprise the training of a bodhisattva, which is bodhichitta in action.

  1. Generosity (Skt. dāna; Tib. jinpa): to cultivate the attitude of generosity.
  2. Discipline (Skt. śīla; Tib. tsultrim): refraining from harm.
  3. Patience (Skt. kṣānti; Tib. zöpa): the ability not to be perturbed by anything.
  4. Diligence (Skt. vīrya; Tib. tsöndrü): to find joy in what is virtuous, positive or wholesome.
  5. Concentration (Skt. dhyāna; Tib. samten): not to be distracted.
  6. Wisdom (Skt. prajñā; Tib. sherab): the perfect discrimination of phenomena, all knowable things.

The first five paramitas correspond to the accumulation of merit, and the sixth to the accumulation of wisdom.

Written Sources

The six paramitas are mentioned and explained in many of the most important Indian sources, such as Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend, Chandrakirti’s Introduction to the Middle Way and Shantideva’s Bodhicharyavatara.

Further Reading

  • Geshe Sonam Rinchen, The Six Perfections, translated by Ruth Sonam, Snow Lion, 1998