The Six Paramita
The term, paramita, carries the meaning of “going to the furthest”. This implies a “growing towards perfection”. Mahāyāna teaching lists six categories of practice through which bodhisattvas are able to attain enlightenment. The Japanese word for paramita is Higan and means the “other shore of enlightenment”; i.e., the world of peace and liberation. We are currently on the shore of suffering, anger, and depression; the practice of the Six Paramitas supports us to cross over to the other shore.
In the Jōdo traditions, the proposition is that we are unable to work towards our own “perfection” (enlightenment) because of our innate egocentricity. Although we are encouraged to practice to the best of our abilities, the teaching is more importantly a reminder of the self-absorbed nature of our lives.
Of the six paramitas, the first term listed is the original Sanskrit; the second term is the Japanese translation.
1. Dana – Fuse – giving, offering and generosity
It is the practice of an open heart, of giving freely what others need. This comes in the form of material aid, such as food and money; the giving of fearlessness, which comes in the comfort and emotional support; and the highest giving that is the giving of the Dharma.
2. Sila – Jikai – discipline or observing the precepts
Jikai is to develop good behavior, to obey the rules of parents and teachers, of society. Buddhism encourages the development of the three-fold disciplined behavior of body, speech, and mind. Obeying the laws of society is not meant to be taken as unquestionably accepting societal norms. Quite often one finds that society is a great source of our suffering.
3. Ksanti – Ninniku – patience, inclusiveness
One who is patient can endure long and be able to overcome many difficulties. With patience, we can develop an open heart, and frustration and anger will diminish.
4. Viryai – Shojin – endeavor, diligence or perseverance
Shojin is to strive with one’s entire heart, not for merely short periods of resolute effort, but continuously over long periods. Spiritual strength enables the individual to continue on without giving up in the face of difficulties. It is the antidote for doubt and restlessness.
5. Dhyana – Jōzen – meditation
Jōzen is the practice of meditation helps the person to develop the other paramitas. Meditation allows the person to concentrate upon the activities of the mind thereby learning to understand it more thoroughly. Through meditation, one can penetrate the mind’s delusions and gain understanding of and insight into ultimate reality.
6. Prajña – Chie – wisdom, insight or understanding
Chie is to see things as they are. It involves abandoning our preconceptions, judgments and viewpoints that come from our egoic mind. It is the letting go of opinions and concepts, which results when we abandon egoic self and brings wisdom leading unswervingly to enlightenment.
In the Jōdo traditions, the proposition is that we are unable to work towards our own “perfection” (enlightenment) because of our innate egocentricity. Although we are encouraged to practice to the best of our abilities, the teaching is more importantly a reminder of the self-absorbed nature of our lives.
Of the six paramitas, the first term listed is the original Sanskrit; the second term is the Japanese translation.
1. Dana – Fuse – giving, offering and generosity
It is the practice of an open heart, of giving freely what others need. This comes in the form of material aid, such as food and money; the giving of fearlessness, which comes in the comfort and emotional support; and the highest giving that is the giving of the Dharma.
2. Sila – Jikai – discipline or observing the precepts
Jikai is to develop good behavior, to obey the rules of parents and teachers, of society. Buddhism encourages the development of the three-fold disciplined behavior of body, speech, and mind. Obeying the laws of society is not meant to be taken as unquestionably accepting societal norms. Quite often one finds that society is a great source of our suffering.
3. Ksanti – Ninniku – patience, inclusiveness
One who is patient can endure long and be able to overcome many difficulties. With patience, we can develop an open heart, and frustration and anger will diminish.
4. Viryai – Shojin – endeavor, diligence or perseverance
Shojin is to strive with one’s entire heart, not for merely short periods of resolute effort, but continuously over long periods. Spiritual strength enables the individual to continue on without giving up in the face of difficulties. It is the antidote for doubt and restlessness.
5. Dhyana – Jōzen – meditation
Jōzen is the practice of meditation helps the person to develop the other paramitas. Meditation allows the person to concentrate upon the activities of the mind thereby learning to understand it more thoroughly. Through meditation, one can penetrate the mind’s delusions and gain understanding of and insight into ultimate reality.
6. Prajña – Chie – wisdom, insight or understanding
Chie is to see things as they are. It involves abandoning our preconceptions, judgments and viewpoints that come from our egoic mind. It is the letting go of opinions and concepts, which results when we abandon egoic self and brings wisdom leading unswervingly to enlightenment.
