Difference between revisions of "Paramita / Parami (Perfections)"
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The [[wholesome]] [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] done, wishing to attain [[Buddha hood]], Pase [[Buddha]] hood or [[Arahanthship]]; or, to attain [[enlightenment]] (the end of [[suffering]]; [[Nirvana]]) are called “[[Paramitha]]”, “[[Parami]]” or “[[Perfections]]”. | The [[wholesome]] [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] done, wishing to attain [[Buddha hood]], Pase [[Buddha]] hood or [[Arahanthship]]; or, to attain [[enlightenment]] (the end of [[suffering]]; [[Nirvana]]) are called “[[Paramitha]]”, “[[Parami]]” or “[[Perfections]]”. | ||
| − | Most of the [[people]] in the [[world]] do [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] wishing just for comforts and fortunes in the [[human]] [[world]] and [[heavens]], in their next [[births]]. They have not [[realized]] that behind those comforts and fortunes lies the shadow of [[suffering]] & {{Wiki|sadness}}. Those deeds, though they are [[meritorious]], are associated with [[desire]] and do not belong to “[[Paramithas]]” since they lengthen the ‘[[life]]-[[death]] circle’ ([[Samsara]]) and do not end the [[suffering]] and conduct one towards the [[enlightenment]]. | + | Most of the [[people]] in the [[world]] do [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] wishing just for comforts and fortunes in the [[human]] [[world]] and [[heavens]], in their next [[births]]. They have not [[realized]] that behind those comforts and fortunes lies the shadow of [[suffering]] & {{Wiki|sadness}}. Those [[deeds]], though they are [[meritorious]], are associated with [[desire]] and do not belong to “[[Paramithas]]” since they lengthen the ‘[[life]]-[[death]] circle’ ([[Samsara]]) and do not end the [[suffering]] and conduct one towards the [[enlightenment]]. |
| − | Some do [[meritorious]] deeds [[craving]] for [[fame]], prestige and glory. Those [[deeds]] too are related to [[desire]] and do not even give proper [[worldly]] fortunes and comforts, let alone the [[enlightenment]]. | + | Some do [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] [[craving]] for [[fame]], prestige and glory. Those [[deeds]] too are related to [[desire]] and do not even give proper [[worldly]] fortunes and comforts, let alone the [[enlightenment]]. |
Some do [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] just to show others that they are above them. They give much greater [[alms]] than the others; they observe the [[Dhamma]] in excess; they build [[temples]] bigger and finer than the others; they do greater [[meritorious]] acts and show that their [[virtue]] surpass all the others’. Those [[deeds]] are associated with [[conceit]] and do not belong to “[[Paramithas]]”. Those [[deeds]] too lack the [[power]] to give proper [[worldly]] fortunes and comforts, let alone the [[enlightenment]]. | Some do [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] just to show others that they are above them. They give much greater [[alms]] than the others; they observe the [[Dhamma]] in excess; they build [[temples]] bigger and finer than the others; they do greater [[meritorious]] acts and show that their [[virtue]] surpass all the others’. Those [[deeds]] are associated with [[conceit]] and do not belong to “[[Paramithas]]”. Those [[deeds]] too lack the [[power]] to give proper [[worldly]] fortunes and comforts, let alone the [[enlightenment]]. | ||
[[File:23 2.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:23 2.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Some, disregarding the [[Four Noble Truths]] and the seven stages of [[purification]] which lead towards [[liberation]] and the [[Enlightenment]], wrongly believe that they can attain the [[Enlightenment]] by just giving [[alms]] or protecting their [[virtues]]. Those [[meritorious]] deeds are connected with wrong [[vision]]; thus, they do not belong to “[[Paramithas]]”. | + | Some, disregarding the [[Four Noble Truths]] and the seven stages of [[purification]] which lead towards [[liberation]] and the [[Enlightenment]], wrongly believe that they can attain the [[Enlightenment]] by just giving [[alms]] or protecting their [[virtues]]. Those [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] are connected with wrong [[vision]]; thus, they do not belong to “[[Paramithas]]”. |
| − | Some do [[meritorious]] deeds wishing [[worldly]] and [[heavenly]] fortunes as well as the [[Enlightenment]]. Since they have wished for the [[Enlightenment]] too, those deeds belong to “[[Paramithas]]”. But, in [[view]] of the fact that the wish is contaminated with [[desire]] for [[worldly]] fortunes, one cannot attain the [[Enlightenment]] quickly, as expected from those [[deeds]]. [[Desire]] weakens the [[power]] to give up [[worldly]] fortunes which is essential to attain the [[Enlightenment]]. | + | Some do [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] wishing [[worldly]] and [[heavenly]] fortunes as well as the [[Enlightenment]]. Since they have wished for the [[Enlightenment]] too, those [[deeds]] belong to “[[Paramithas]]”. But, in [[view]] of the fact that the wish is contaminated with [[desire]] for [[worldly]] fortunes, one cannot attain the [[Enlightenment]] quickly, as expected from those [[deeds]]. [[Desire]] weakens the [[power]] to give up [[worldly]] fortunes which is [[essential]] to attain the [[Enlightenment]]. |
| − | A wish is fruitful only when the [[power]] of the [[meritorious]] deed done is adequate enough to give the result. | + | A wish is fruitful only when the [[power]] of the [[meritorious]] [[deed]] done is adequate enough to give the result. |
| − | [[Gauthama]] [[Buddha]], even after fulfilling the ten “[[Paramithas]]” in his | + | [[Gauthama]] [[Buddha]], even after fulfilling the ten “[[Paramithas]]” in his many [[existences]] for innumerable period of [[time]] before being born ‘[[Siddhartha]] [[Gauthama]]’, had to [[suffer]] to the [[highest]] {{Wiki|degree}} for six years before [[attaining]] the [[Enlightenment]]. |
The [[Ten Perfections]] (“[[Dasa Paramitha]]”) | The [[Ten Perfections]] (“[[Dasa Paramitha]]”) | ||
[[File:23 4.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:23 4.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
1. [[Dana]] [[Paramitha]] – Giving things that belongs to oneself considering the [[actions]] and results; as a [[offering]] to the [[virtuous]] who has higher qualities than oneself, and as a help to the needy with lower qualities than oneself or to a [[person]] with similar qualities to oneself with [[loving kindness]] and [[compassion]]. When the wish from these [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] is the [[Enlightenment]], it becomes a “[[Paramitha]]”. | 1. [[Dana]] [[Paramitha]] – Giving things that belongs to oneself considering the [[actions]] and results; as a [[offering]] to the [[virtuous]] who has higher qualities than oneself, and as a help to the needy with lower qualities than oneself or to a [[person]] with similar qualities to oneself with [[loving kindness]] and [[compassion]]. When the wish from these [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] is the [[Enlightenment]], it becomes a “[[Paramitha]]”. | ||
| − | 2. [[Sila]] [[Paramitha]] – [[Virtuous]] and proper conduct observed by oneself wishing for [[Buddha hood]], Pase [[Buddha hood]], [[Arahanthship]] or the [[Enlightenment]] without contaminating it with [[desire]], [[conceit]] and wrong [[vision]]. | + | 2. [[Sila]] [[Paramitha]] – [[Virtuous]] and [[proper conduct]] observed by oneself wishing for [[Buddha hood]], Pase [[Buddha hood]], [[Arahanthship]] or the [[Enlightenment]] without contaminating it with [[desire]], [[conceit]] and wrong [[vision]]. |
3. [[Nekkhamma]] (Nayishkramya) [[Paramitha]] – [[Renunciation]] of [[desire]], [[passion]] and [[worldly existence]] [[realizing]] the [[evil]] effects they have on oneself. | 3. [[Nekkhamma]] (Nayishkramya) [[Paramitha]] – [[Renunciation]] of [[desire]], [[passion]] and [[worldly existence]] [[realizing]] the [[evil]] effects they have on oneself. | ||
| − | 4. [[Panna]] [[Paramitha]] – {{Wiki|Learning}} [[Buddhist]] [[doctrine]] and other relevant arts & technology; associating, discussing and conferring with [[scholars]]; [[meditating]] to gain [[insight]] and develop it; teaching [[Dhamma]] for the benefit of the [[world]] and the [[Buddhist]] [[order]]; preaching [[Dhamma]]; [[Writing]] books on [[Dhamma]] and helping the [[suffering]] with the [[supermundane]] [[wisdom]] gained; lead to the [[Enlightenment]]. | + | 4. [[Panna]] [[Paramitha]] – {{Wiki|Learning}} [[Buddhist]] [[doctrine]] and other relevant arts & technology; associating, discussing and conferring with [[scholars]]; [[meditating]] to gain [[insight]] and develop it; [[teaching]] [[Dhamma]] for the [[benefit]] of the [[world]] and the [[Buddhist]] [[order]]; preaching [[Dhamma]]; [[Writing]] [[books]] on [[Dhamma]] and helping the [[suffering]] with the [[supermundane]] [[wisdom]] gained; lead to the [[Enlightenment]]. |
5. [[Virya]] [[Paramitha]] – [[Effort]] one makes with [[insight]] in giving [[alms]], observing [[virtue]] (at least the basic [[five precepts]]), [[meditation]] and lending a hand to others, wishing either [[Buddhahood]], Pase [[Buddhahood]] or [[Arahanthship]]. | 5. [[Virya]] [[Paramitha]] – [[Effort]] one makes with [[insight]] in giving [[alms]], observing [[virtue]] (at least the basic [[five precepts]]), [[meditation]] and lending a hand to others, wishing either [[Buddhahood]], Pase [[Buddhahood]] or [[Arahanthship]]. | ||
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6. [[Kshanthi]] [[Paramitha]] – Having [[tolerance]] and [[patience]] as a resource to attain [[Buddhahood]], Pase [[Buddhahood]] or [[Arahanthship]]. | 6. [[Kshanthi]] [[Paramitha]] – Having [[tolerance]] and [[patience]] as a resource to attain [[Buddhahood]], Pase [[Buddhahood]] or [[Arahanthship]]. | ||
| − | 7. [[Sathya]] [[Paramitha]] – Truthfulness and honesty are great [[virtues]] which lead to the [[Enlightenment]]. | + | 7. [[Sathya]] [[Paramitha]] – [[Truthfulness]] and [[honesty]] are great [[virtues]] which lead to the [[Enlightenment]]. |
| − | 8. [[Adishtana]] Paramitha – When fulfilling Paramithas to attain the [[enlightenment]], one should have a strong resolution and a [[determination]] to complete what he had started. Though [[determination]] is not a [[meritorious]] deed, one has to have the [[power]] of [[determination]] to attain the [[Enlightenment]]. Thus, it becomes a paramitha. | + | 8. [[Adishtana]] [[Paramitha]] – When fulfilling [[Paramithas]] to attain the [[enlightenment]], one should have a strong resolution and a [[determination]] to complete what he had started. Though [[determination]] is not a [[meritorious]] [[deed]], one has to have the [[power]] of [[determination]] to attain the [[Enlightenment]]. Thus, it becomes a [[paramitha]]. |
| − | 9. [[Metta]] [[Paramitha]] – Having [[loving kindness]] to all beings irrespective of their relationship to one’s [[self]], wishing for the [[Enlightenment]]. Helping others physically, speaking kind and helpful words beneficial to others, wishing all beings health, [[wealth]] and [[happiness]] belong to this category. | + | 9. [[Metta]] [[Paramitha]] – Having [[loving kindness]] to all [[beings]] irrespective of their relationship to one’s [[self]], wishing for the [[Enlightenment]]. Helping others {{Wiki|physically}}, {{Wiki|speaking}} kind and helpful words beneficial to others, wishing all [[beings]] health, [[wealth]] and [[happiness]] belong to this category. |
| − | 10.[[Upekkha]] [[Paramitha]] – The indifference shown to all beings and matter, [[thoughts]] and [[conditions]], maintaining a [[neutral]] attitude wishing for the [[Enlightenment]]. | + | 10.[[Upekkha]] [[Paramitha]] – The [[indifference]] shown to all [[beings]] and matter, [[thoughts]] and [[conditions]], maintaining a [[neutral]] [[attitude]] wishing for the [[Enlightenment]]. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://www.thebuddhism.net/2012/09/24/paramita-parami-perfections/ www.thebuddhism.net] | [http://www.thebuddhism.net/2012/09/24/paramita-parami-perfections/ www.thebuddhism.net] | ||
[[Category:Pāramitā]] | [[Category:Pāramitā]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:43, 14 December 2013
The wholesome meritorious deeds done, wishing to attain Buddha hood, Pase Buddha hood or Arahanthship; or, to attain enlightenment (the end of suffering; Nirvana) are called “Paramitha”, “Parami” or “Perfections”.
Most of the people in the world do meritorious deeds wishing just for comforts and fortunes in the human world and heavens, in their next births. They have not realized that behind those comforts and fortunes lies the shadow of suffering & sadness. Those deeds, though they are meritorious, are associated with desire and do not belong to “Paramithas” since they lengthen the ‘life-death circle’ (Samsara) and do not end the suffering and conduct one towards the enlightenment.
Some do meritorious deeds craving for fame, prestige and glory. Those deeds too are related to desire and do not even give proper worldly fortunes and comforts, let alone the enlightenment.
Some do meritorious deeds just to show others that they are above them. They give much greater alms than the others; they observe the Dhamma in excess; they build temples bigger and finer than the others; they do greater meritorious acts and show that their virtue surpass all the others’. Those deeds are associated with conceit and do not belong to “Paramithas”. Those deeds too lack the power to give proper worldly fortunes and comforts, let alone the enlightenment.
Some, disregarding the Four Noble Truths and the seven stages of purification which lead towards liberation and the Enlightenment, wrongly believe that they can attain the Enlightenment by just giving alms or protecting their virtues. Those meritorious deeds are connected with wrong vision; thus, they do not belong to “Paramithas”.
Some do meritorious deeds wishing worldly and heavenly fortunes as well as the Enlightenment. Since they have wished for the Enlightenment too, those deeds belong to “Paramithas”. But, in view of the fact that the wish is contaminated with desire for worldly fortunes, one cannot attain the Enlightenment quickly, as expected from those deeds. Desire weakens the power to give up worldly fortunes which is essential to attain the Enlightenment.
A wish is fruitful only when the power of the meritorious deed done is adequate enough to give the result.
Gauthama Buddha, even after fulfilling the ten “Paramithas” in his many existences for innumerable period of time before being born ‘Siddhartha Gauthama’, had to suffer to the highest degree for six years before attaining the Enlightenment.
The Ten Perfections (“Dasa Paramitha”)
1. Dana Paramitha – Giving things that belongs to oneself considering the actions and results; as a offering to the virtuous who has higher qualities than oneself, and as a help to the needy with lower qualities than oneself or to a person with similar qualities to oneself with loving kindness and compassion. When the wish from these meritorious deeds is the Enlightenment, it becomes a “Paramitha”.
2. Sila Paramitha – Virtuous and proper conduct observed by oneself wishing for Buddha hood, Pase Buddha hood, Arahanthship or the Enlightenment without contaminating it with desire, conceit and wrong vision.
3. Nekkhamma (Nayishkramya) Paramitha – Renunciation of desire, passion and worldly existence realizing the evil effects they have on oneself.
4. Panna Paramitha – Learning Buddhist doctrine and other relevant arts & technology; associating, discussing and conferring with scholars; meditating to gain insight and develop it; teaching Dhamma for the benefit of the world and the Buddhist order; preaching Dhamma; Writing books on Dhamma and helping the suffering with the supermundane wisdom gained; lead to the Enlightenment.
5. Virya Paramitha – Effort one makes with insight in giving alms, observing virtue (at least the basic five precepts), meditation and lending a hand to others, wishing either Buddhahood, Pase Buddhahood or Arahanthship.
6. Kshanthi Paramitha – Having tolerance and patience as a resource to attain Buddhahood, Pase Buddhahood or Arahanthship.
7. Sathya Paramitha – Truthfulness and honesty are great virtues which lead to the Enlightenment.
8. Adishtana Paramitha – When fulfilling Paramithas to attain the enlightenment, one should have a strong resolution and a determination to complete what he had started. Though determination is not a meritorious deed, one has to have the power of determination to attain the Enlightenment. Thus, it becomes a paramitha.
9. Metta Paramitha – Having loving kindness to all beings irrespective of their relationship to one’s self, wishing for the Enlightenment. Helping others physically, speaking kind and helpful words beneficial to others, wishing all beings health, wealth and happiness belong to this category.
10.Upekkha Paramitha – The indifference shown to all beings and matter, thoughts and conditions, maintaining a neutral attitude wishing for the Enlightenment.
