Articles by alphabetic order
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
 Ā Ī Ñ Ś Ū Ö Ō
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0


Difference between revisions of "Buddhism for you lesson 10-dana"

From Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with "thumb|250px| <poem> 1. Lesson 10 The Unlosable Treasure-Store Dana (Generosity) 2. What is Dana? Dana is the giving of useful things to other people...")
 
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[File:Oldmonk.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Oldmonk.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
<poem>
 
<poem>
  1. Lesson 10 The Unlosable Treasure-Store Dana (Generosity)
+
  1. Lesson 10 The Unlosable Treasure-Store [[Dana]] ([[Generosity]])
  
     2. What is Dana? Dana is the giving of useful things to other people: food to the hungry, medicine to the sick, money to the needy, kindness and compassion to all living being, and above all, the knowledge of the Dhamma to those searching for Truth. The Buddha taught us to perform 3 highly meritorious acts in order to gain happiness now and in the future. They are Dana (generosity), Sila (morality), and Bhavana (mental culture). It may sound paradoxical but one indeed possesess something worthwhile not by hoarding but by sharing with others. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.
+
     2. What is [[Dana]]? [[Dana]] is the giving of useful things to other [[people]]: [[food]] to the hungry, [[medicine]] to the sick, [[money]] to the needy, [[kindness]] and [[compassion]] to all [[living being]], and above all, the [[knowledge]] of the [[Dhamma]] to those searching for [[Truth]]. The [[Buddha]] [[taught]] us to perform 3 highly [[meritorious]] acts in order to gain [[happiness]] now and in the {{Wiki|future}}. They are [[Dana]] ([[generosity]]), [[Sila]] ([[morality]]), and [[Bhavana]] ([[mental culture]]). It may [[sound]] {{Wiki|paradoxical}} but one indeed possesess something worthwhile not by hoarding but by sharing with others. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his [[own]].
  
     3. Why the reluctance to give? People have strong attachments to possessions that they are unprepared to share. They are slaves to their possessions and greed is their master. Reluctance can also be due to fear. People are reluctant to donate blood for fear of damaging their health. A person is afraid to donate his eyes because of fears that he might be blind in his next life. Such fears are unfounded and are due to ignorance and lack of understanding and lack of compassion. Anger and hatred can also hinder a person from being generous. Under these unwholesome influences, he speaks harshly and acts mindlessly without ever thinking that others have feelings too.
+
     3. Why the reluctance to give? [[People]] have strong [[attachments]] to possessions that they are unprepared to share. They are slaves to their possessions and [[greed]] is their [[master]]. Reluctance can also be due to {{Wiki|fear}}. [[People]] are reluctant to donate {{Wiki|blood}} for {{Wiki|fear}} of damaging their [[health]]. A [[person]] is afraid to donate his [[eyes]] because of {{Wiki|fears}} that he might be [[blind]] in his next [[life]]. Such {{Wiki|fears}} are unfounded and are due to [[ignorance]] and lack of [[understanding]] and lack of [[compassion]]. [[Anger]] and [[hatred]] can also hinder a [[person]] from being generous. Under these [[unwholesome]] [[influences]], he speaks harshly and acts mindlessly without ever [[thinking]] that others have [[feelings]] too.
  
     4. Why should we give? We purify ourselves by giving and also increase our happiness. The act of charity promotes wholesome thoughts, actions and speech which create good Kamma. Dana is the antidote to the poison of greed. Each time we give selflessly, we chip away our mighty crag of selfishness. The Buddha taught that a person giving alms to monks or virtuous people gains 5 blessings: the affection of the many, noble associations, good reputation, self confidence and heavenly rebirth (Anguttara Nikya V, Sutta 34).
+
     4. Why should we give? We {{Wiki|purify}} ourselves by giving and also increase our [[happiness]]. The act of [[charity]] promotes [[wholesome]] [[thoughts]], [[actions]] and {{Wiki|speech}} which create [[good Kamma]]. [[Dana]] is the antidote to the [[poison]] of [[greed]]. Each time we give selflessly, we chip away our mighty crag of [[selfishness]]. The [[Buddha]] [[taught]] that a [[person]] [[giving alms]] to [[monks]] or [[virtuous]] [[people]] gains 5 [[blessings]]: the {{Wiki|affection}} of the many, [[noble]] associations, good reputation, [[self]] [[confidence]] and [[heavenly]] [[rebirth]] ([[Anguttara]] Nikya V, [[Sutta]] 34).
  
     5. What is True Generosity? It is not patronage – the giving with the intention of indebting another. The one who gives is not in any way more superior to the receiver. Generosity springs from the heart. It arises with compassion, friendliness and kindness. It goes hand in hand with sympathy. True generosity is giving without ulterior motive - he gives with no strings attached; does not expect gratitude in return. He has given and that is the end of the matter. He never complains when people take his gifts for granted. The person who cultivates this virtue is on his road of growing stronger and freer with every gift he gives. He purifies himself in giving selflessly.
+
     5. What is True [[Generosity]]? It is not {{Wiki|patronage}} – the giving with the [[intention]] of indebting another. The one who gives is not in any way more {{Wiki|superior}} to the receiver. [[Generosity]] springs from the [[heart]]. It arises with [[compassion]], [[friendliness]] and [[kindness]]. It goes hand in hand with [[sympathy]]. True [[generosity]] is giving without ulterior {{Wiki|motive}} - he gives with no strings [[attached]]; does not expect [[gratitude]] in return. He has given and that is the end of the {{Wiki|matter}}. He never complains when [[people]] take his gifts for granted. The [[person]] who cultivates this [[virtue]] is on his road of growing stronger and freer with every [[gift]] he gives. He purifies himself in giving selflessly.
 
[[File:Mahagandhayon_Monastic_Institution,_Amarapura,_Myanmar.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Mahagandhayon_Monastic_Institution,_Amarapura,_Myanmar.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
     6. Different Aspect of Dana Dana need not be confined to material gifts. We can be generous with our knowledge, skill, time, energy. It is equally wholesome to appreciate the good deeds of others as it is a form of dana and it contributes to a harmonious society. The Lord Buddha sacrifice Himself on many occaions in His previous lives to save other beings. Giving others an opportunity to appreciate our wholesome deeds is another form of dana. When we perform deeds with pure intentions, we should let our deeds be known to others as source of inspirations to them and for them to share our merits.
+
     6. Different Aspect of [[Dana]] [[Dana]] need not be confined to material gifts. We can be generous with our [[knowledge]], skill, time, [[energy]]. It is equally [[wholesome]] to appreciate the [[good deeds]] of others as it is a [[form]] of [[dana]] and it contributes to a harmonious [[society]]. The [[Lord Buddha]] [[Wikipedia:sacrifice|sacrifice]] Himself on many occaions in His [[previous lives]] to save other [[beings]]. Giving others an opportunity to appreciate our [[wholesome]] [[deeds]] is another [[form]] of [[dana]]. When we perform [[deeds]] with [[pure]] {{Wiki|intentions}}, we should let our [[deeds]] be known to others as source of inspirations to them and for them to share our [[merits]].
  
     7. What is the Highest Form of Dana? The gift of the Dhamma is the greatest gift of all. If you help your friend to have right understanding about good and bad deeds and how to cultivate the good, he will have happiness in this life and later lives. Once the thirst for Truth is quenched he will never thirst again. You have truly given him a priceless gift. How can you contribute? Give your time and effort to help spread the message of the Lord Buddha. Donate money to print dhamma materials – it does not matter how much you donate. Give your time to charitable and welfare organisations.
+
     7. What is the [[Highest Form]] of [[Dana]]? The [[gift]] of the [[Dhamma]] is the greatest [[gift]] of all. If you help your [[friend]] to have [[right understanding]] about [[good and bad]] [[deeds]] and how to cultivate the good, he will have [[happiness]] in this [[life]] and later [[lives]]. Once the [[thirst]] for [[Truth]] is quenched he will never [[thirst]] again. You have truly given him a priceless [[gift]]. How can you contribute? Give your time and [[effort]] to help spread the message of the [[Lord Buddha]]. Donate [[money]] to print [[dhamma]] materials – it does not {{Wiki|matter}} how much you donate. Give your time to charitable and {{Wiki|welfare}} organisations.
  
     8. The Ten Transcendental Virtues (Paramis) After receiving the Definite Prophecy from Dipankara Buddha, the Boddhisatta spent 100,000 world cycles and 4 infinite periods pefecting the Ten Paramis. The Jataka Stories relate the supreme efforts of Gotama Buddha at perfecting the ten paramis in his previous births as a Boddhisatta in His efforts to attain Supreme Buddhahood. On the way to perfection, He abuses not when abused; He beats not when beaten; He annoys not when annoyed. He strives to be free from desire in the world of desires, and seeks perfection in an imperfect world. Equanimity Loving-kindness Determination Truthfulness Patience Energy Wisdom Renunciation Morality Generosity
+
     8. The Ten [[Transcendental]] [[Virtues]] ([[Paramis]]) After receiving the Definite {{Wiki|Prophecy}} from [[Dipankara Buddha]], the [[Boddhisatta]] spent 100,000 [[world cycles]] and 4 [[infinite]] periods pefecting the Ten [[Paramis]]. The [[Jataka]] Stories relate the supreme efforts of [[Gotama Buddha]] at perfecting the ten [[paramis]] in his previous [[births]] as a [[Boddhisatta]] in His efforts to attain Supreme [[Buddhahood]]. On the way to [[perfection]], He abuses not when abused; He beats not when beaten; He annoys not when annoyed. He strives to be free from [[desire]] in the [[world]] of [[desires]], and seeks [[perfection]] in an imperfect [[world]]. [[Equanimity]] [[Loving-kindness]] [[Determination]] [[Truthfulness]] [[Patience]] [[Energy]] [[Wisdom]] [[Renunciation]] [[Morality]] [[Generosity]]
  
     9. The Ten Paramis - Generosity The Boddhisatta practises generosity to eliminate craving that lies dormant within Himself. However He combines wisdom with generosity so that a person does not misuse His gift. He is ever willing to render every possible aid to anyone and yet He does not want another to feel indebted and does not want reward in return.
+
     9. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Generosity]] The [[Boddhisatta]] practises [[generosity]] to eliminate [[craving]] that lies dormant within Himself. However He combines [[wisdom]] with [[generosity]] so that a [[person]] does not {{Wiki|misuse}} His [[gift]]. He is ever willing to render every possible aid to anyone and yet He does not want another to [[feel]] indebted and does not want reward in return.
 
[[File:Niguma-fnal.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Niguma-fnal.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
     10. The Ten Paramis - Morality Morality consists of duties one should perform and refrain from performing. One has to perform duties towards parents, children, husband, wife, teachers, pupils, friends, monks, etc. Beside these duties, he refrains from wrong deeds by observing the Five Precepts daily and the Eight Precepts on Uposatha days.
+
     10. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Morality]] [[Morality]] consists of duties one should perform and refrain from performing. One has to perform duties towards [[parents]], children, husband, wife, [[teachers]], pupils, friends, [[monks]], etc. Beside these duties, he refrains from wrong [[deeds]] by observing the [[Five Precepts]] daily and the [[Eight Precepts]] on [[Uposatha days]].
  
     11. The Ten Paramis - Renunciation The Bodhisatta is a lover of solitute and is always selfless in his activities. He works hard for His inner spiritual development, catering at the same time for the spiritual needs of others. He may either choose to live a life of an ascetic or a monk.
+
     11. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Renunciation]] The [[Bodhisatta]] is a lover of solitute and is always [[selfless]] in his [[activities]]. He works hard for His inner [[spiritual development]], catering at the same time for the [[spiritual]] needs of others. He may either choose to live a [[life]] of an [[ascetic]] or a [[monk]].
  
     12. The Ten Paramis - Wisdom Wisdom is the understanding of the Three Characteristics of Life and also world knowledge. He never desires to display His knowledge nor is He ashamed to plead ignorance even in public. He tries His best to lead others from spiritual darkness to light. Knowledge is acquired through 3 methods: 1. Hearing or reading 2. Thinking – scientific knowledge arises in this manner 3. Meditation and contemplation – through meditation, one realises intuitive truths which are beyond logical reasoning, in addition to worldly wisdom that helps him to live a happy live.
+
     12. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Wisdom]] [[Wisdom]] is the [[understanding]] of the [[Three Characteristics of Life]] and also [[world]] [[knowledge]]. He never [[desires]] to display His [[knowledge]] nor is He ashamed to plead [[ignorance]] even in public. He tries His best to lead others from [[spiritual]] {{Wiki|darkness}} to {{Wiki|light}}. [[Knowledge]] is acquired through 3 methods: 1. Hearing or reading 2. [[Thinking]] [[scientific knowledge]] arises in this manner 3. [[Meditation]] and contemplation – through [[meditation]], one realises intuitive [[truths]] which are beyond [[logical]] {{Wiki|reasoning}}, in addition to [[worldly]] [[wisdom]] that helps him to live a [[happy]] live.
  
     13. The Ten Paramis - Energy Energy refers to the mental vigour or strength of character. It is the persistence and effort to work for the welfare of others. No one can succeed without persistent effort. Failures are viewed as steps to success; opposition causes him to double his effort; dangers increase his courage. The Ten Paramis - Patience It is the patient endurance of suffering inflicted upon oneself by others’ wrongs. Practising patience and tolerance, instead of seeing the ugliness in others, a Boddhisatta tries to seek the goodness and beauty in all.
+
     13. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Energy]] [[Energy]] refers to the [[mental]] [[vigour]] or strength of [[character]]. It is the persistence and [[effort]] to work for the {{Wiki|welfare}} of others. No one can succeed without persistent [[effort]]. Failures are viewed as steps to [[success]]; [[opposition]] [[causes]] him to double his [[effort]]; dangers increase his [[courage]]. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Patience]] It is the {{Wiki|patient}} [[endurance]] of [[suffering]] inflicted upon oneself by others’ wrongs. Practising [[patience]] and [[tolerance]], instead of [[seeing]] the ugliness in others, a [[Boddhisatta]] tries to seek the [[goodness]] and [[beauty]] in all.
  
     14. The Ten Paramis - Truthfulness A Boddhisatta always fulfils his promises and never breaks his word. In the course of His samsara, He never uttered an untruth although at times He may violate the other four precepts. He was prepared even to sacrifice His life to fulfil His promise.
+
     14. The Ten [[Paramis]] - [[Truthfulness]] A [[Boddhisatta]] always fulfils his promises and never breaks his [[word]]. In the course of His [[samsara]], He never uttered an untruth although at times He may violate the other four [[precepts]]. He was prepared even to [[Wikipedia:sacrifice|sacrifice]] His [[life]] to fulfil His promise.
 
[[File:Munk66814 n.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Munk66814 n.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
     15. The Ten Paramis – Loving-kindness It is this loving-kindness and wish for the good and happiness of all beings that prompts a Bodhisatta to renounce personal deliverance for the sake of others. With this universal love, He fears none and none fears Him. Loving-kindness possesses a mystic power which can easily influence beings far and near. A pure heart that radiates this force is capable of transforming wild beasts into tame ones, murderers into saints.
+
     15. The Ten [[Paramis]] [[Loving-kindness]] It is this [[loving-kindness]] and wish for the good and [[happiness]] of all [[beings]] that prompts a [[Bodhisatta]] to {{Wiki|renounce}} personal [[deliverance]] for the [[sake]] of others. With this [[universal love]], He {{Wiki|fears}} none and none {{Wiki|fears}} Him. [[Loving-kindness]] possesses a [[mystic]] power which can easily influence [[beings]] far and near. A [[pure]] [[heart]] that radiates this force is capable of [[transforming]] wild {{Wiki|beasts}} into tame ones, murderers into [[saints]].
  
     16. The Ten Paramis – Equanimity Equanimity is the evenness of mind which views all things impartially without attachment or hatred. Slights, insults, praise, blame, loss, gain, pain and happiness are the common feelings of humanity. Amidst all these conditions, the Boddhisatta stands unmoved like a firm rock, exercising perfect equanimity. He is undistubed by poisonous tongues; not attached to the illusory pleasures of this changing world. He is unaffected by worldly temptations, ever calm and peaceful.
+
     16. The Ten [[Paramis]] [[Equanimity]] [[Equanimity]] is the evenness of [[mind]] which [[views]] all things impartially without [[attachment]] or [[hatred]]. Slights, insults, praise, blame, loss, gain, [[pain]] and [[happiness]] are the common [[feelings]] of [[humanity]]. Amidst all these [[conditions]], the [[Boddhisatta]] stands unmoved like a firm rock, exercising {{Wiki|perfect}} [[equanimity]]. He is undistubed by {{Wiki|poisonous}} tongues; not [[attached]] to the [[illusory]] [[pleasures]] of this changing [[world]]. He is unaffected by [[worldly]] temptations, ever [[calm]] and [[peaceful]].
  
     17. The Ten Paramis The Ten Paramis is a course in self-sacrifice. Just to attempt to practise the Paramis will bring immediate improvements into a person’s life even though he may not achieve the perfection achieved by the Buddha. Like Buddha Gotama, we too may dedicate ourselves to the noble purpose of serving the world. One should not think that the Boddhisatta ideal is reserved only for special people. What one has done, another can do. Therefore let us endeavour to work selflessly for the good of ourselves and others. Equanimity Loving-kindness Determination Truthfulness Patience Energy Wisdom Renunciation Morality Generosity
+
     17. The Ten [[Paramis]] The Ten [[Paramis]] is a course in self-sacrifice. Just to attempt to practise the [[Paramis]] will bring immediate improvements into a person’s [[life]] even though he may not achieve the [[perfection]] achieved by the [[Buddha]]. Like [[Buddha Gotama]], we too may dedicate ourselves to the [[noble]] {{Wiki|purpose}} of serving the [[world]]. One should not think that the [[Boddhisatta]] {{Wiki|ideal}} is reserved only for special [[people]]. What one has done, another can do. Therefore let us endeavour to work selflessly for the good of ourselves and others. [[Equanimity]] [[Loving-kindness]] [[Determination]] [[Truthfulness]] [[Patience]] [[Energy]] [[Wisdom]] [[Renunciation]] [[Morality]] [[Generosity]]
  
     18. The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts the taste of Dhamma excels all taste, the delight in dhamma excels all delights, The Craving-Freed vanquishes all suffering. - Dhammapada verse 354 End of Lesson 10  
+
     18. The [[gift]] of [[Dhamma]] excels all gifts the {{Wiki|taste}} of [[Dhamma]] excels all {{Wiki|taste}}, the [[delight]] in [[dhamma]] excels all delights, The Craving-Freed vanquishes all [[suffering]]. - [[Dhammapada]] verse 354 End of Lesson 10  
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
 
{{R}}
 
{{R}}
 
[http://www.slideshare.net/bugstan/buddhism-for-you-lesson-10dana www.slideshare.net]
 
[http://www.slideshare.net/bugstan/buddhism-for-you-lesson-10dana www.slideshare.net]
 
[[Category:Dana]]
 
[[Category:Dana]]

Revision as of 09:41, 29 January 2016

Oldmonk.jpg

 1. Lesson 10 The Unlosable Treasure-Store Dana (Generosity)

    2. What is Dana? Dana is the giving of useful things to other people: food to the hungry, medicine to the sick, money to the needy, kindness and compassion to all living being, and above all, the knowledge of the Dhamma to those searching for Truth. The Buddha taught us to perform 3 highly meritorious acts in order to gain happiness now and in the future. They are Dana (generosity), Sila (morality), and Bhavana (mental culture). It may sound paradoxical but one indeed possesess something worthwhile not by hoarding but by sharing with others. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.

    3. Why the reluctance to give? People have strong attachments to possessions that they are unprepared to share. They are slaves to their possessions and greed is their master. Reluctance can also be due to fear. People are reluctant to donate blood for fear of damaging their health. A person is afraid to donate his eyes because of fears that he might be blind in his next life. Such fears are unfounded and are due to ignorance and lack of understanding and lack of compassion. Anger and hatred can also hinder a person from being generous. Under these unwholesome influences, he speaks harshly and acts mindlessly without ever thinking that others have feelings too.

    4. Why should we give? We purify ourselves by giving and also increase our happiness. The act of charity promotes wholesome thoughts, actions and speech which create good Kamma. Dana is the antidote to the poison of greed. Each time we give selflessly, we chip away our mighty crag of selfishness. The Buddha taught that a person giving alms to monks or virtuous people gains 5 blessings: the affection of the many, noble associations, good reputation, self confidence and heavenly rebirth (Anguttara Nikya V, Sutta 34).

    5. What is True Generosity? It is not patronage – the giving with the intention of indebting another. The one who gives is not in any way more superior to the receiver. Generosity springs from the heart. It arises with compassion, friendliness and kindness. It goes hand in hand with sympathy. True generosity is giving without ulterior motive - he gives with no strings attached; does not expect gratitude in return. He has given and that is the end of the matter. He never complains when people take his gifts for granted. The person who cultivates this virtue is on his road of growing stronger and freer with every gift he gives. He purifies himself in giving selflessly.

Mahagandhayon Monastic Institution, Amarapura, Myanmar.jpg

    6. Different Aspect of Dana Dana need not be confined to material gifts. We can be generous with our knowledge, skill, time, energy. It is equally wholesome to appreciate the good deeds of others as it is a form of dana and it contributes to a harmonious society. The Lord Buddha sacrifice Himself on many occaions in His previous lives to save other beings. Giving others an opportunity to appreciate our wholesome deeds is another form of dana. When we perform deeds with pure intentions, we should let our deeds be known to others as source of inspirations to them and for them to share our merits.

    7. What is the Highest Form of Dana? The gift of the Dhamma is the greatest gift of all. If you help your friend to have right understanding about good and bad deeds and how to cultivate the good, he will have happiness in this life and later lives. Once the thirst for Truth is quenched he will never thirst again. You have truly given him a priceless gift. How can you contribute? Give your time and effort to help spread the message of the Lord Buddha. Donate money to print dhamma materials – it does not matter how much you donate. Give your time to charitable and welfare organisations.

    8. The Ten Transcendental Virtues (Paramis) After receiving the Definite Prophecy from Dipankara Buddha, the Boddhisatta spent 100,000 world cycles and 4 infinite periods pefecting the Ten Paramis. The Jataka Stories relate the supreme efforts of Gotama Buddha at perfecting the ten paramis in his previous births as a Boddhisatta in His efforts to attain Supreme Buddhahood. On the way to perfection, He abuses not when abused; He beats not when beaten; He annoys not when annoyed. He strives to be free from desire in the world of desires, and seeks perfection in an imperfect world. Equanimity Loving-kindness Determination Truthfulness Patience Energy Wisdom Renunciation Morality Generosity

    9. The Ten Paramis - Generosity The Boddhisatta practises generosity to eliminate craving that lies dormant within Himself. However He combines wisdom with generosity so that a person does not misuse His gift. He is ever willing to render every possible aid to anyone and yet He does not want another to feel indebted and does not want reward in return.

Niguma-fnal.jpg

    10. The Ten Paramis - Morality Morality consists of duties one should perform and refrain from performing. One has to perform duties towards parents, children, husband, wife, teachers, pupils, friends, monks, etc. Beside these duties, he refrains from wrong deeds by observing the Five Precepts daily and the Eight Precepts on Uposatha days.

    11. The Ten Paramis - Renunciation The Bodhisatta is a lover of solitute and is always selfless in his activities. He works hard for His inner spiritual development, catering at the same time for the spiritual needs of others. He may either choose to live a life of an ascetic or a monk.

    12. The Ten Paramis - Wisdom Wisdom is the understanding of the Three Characteristics of Life and also world knowledge. He never desires to display His knowledge nor is He ashamed to plead ignorance even in public. He tries His best to lead others from spiritual darkness to light. Knowledge is acquired through 3 methods: 1. Hearing or reading 2. Thinkingscientific knowledge arises in this manner 3. Meditation and contemplation – through meditation, one realises intuitive truths which are beyond logical reasoning, in addition to worldly wisdom that helps him to live a happy live.

    13. The Ten Paramis - Energy Energy refers to the mental vigour or strength of character. It is the persistence and effort to work for the welfare of others. No one can succeed without persistent effort. Failures are viewed as steps to success; opposition causes him to double his effort; dangers increase his courage. The Ten Paramis - Patience It is the patient endurance of suffering inflicted upon oneself by others’ wrongs. Practising patience and tolerance, instead of seeing the ugliness in others, a Boddhisatta tries to seek the goodness and beauty in all.

    14. The Ten Paramis - Truthfulness A Boddhisatta always fulfils his promises and never breaks his word. In the course of His samsara, He never uttered an untruth although at times He may violate the other four precepts. He was prepared even to sacrifice His life to fulfil His promise.

Munk66814 n.jpg

    15. The Ten ParamisLoving-kindness It is this loving-kindness and wish for the good and happiness of all beings that prompts a Bodhisatta to renounce personal deliverance for the sake of others. With this universal love, He fears none and none fears Him. Loving-kindness possesses a mystic power which can easily influence beings far and near. A pure heart that radiates this force is capable of transforming wild beasts into tame ones, murderers into saints.

    16. The Ten ParamisEquanimity Equanimity is the evenness of mind which views all things impartially without attachment or hatred. Slights, insults, praise, blame, loss, gain, pain and happiness are the common feelings of humanity. Amidst all these conditions, the Boddhisatta stands unmoved like a firm rock, exercising perfect equanimity. He is undistubed by poisonous tongues; not attached to the illusory pleasures of this changing world. He is unaffected by worldly temptations, ever calm and peaceful.

    17. The Ten Paramis The Ten Paramis is a course in self-sacrifice. Just to attempt to practise the Paramis will bring immediate improvements into a person’s life even though he may not achieve the perfection achieved by the Buddha. Like Buddha Gotama, we too may dedicate ourselves to the noble purpose of serving the world. One should not think that the Boddhisatta ideal is reserved only for special people. What one has done, another can do. Therefore let us endeavour to work selflessly for the good of ourselves and others. Equanimity Loving-kindness Determination Truthfulness Patience Energy Wisdom Renunciation Morality Generosity

    18. The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts the taste of Dhamma excels all taste, the delight in dhamma excels all delights, The Craving-Freed vanquishes all suffering. - Dhammapada verse 354 End of Lesson 10

Source

www.slideshare.net