The Paramita of Meditation
Download MP3A dharma talk on meditation, the 5th of the 6 Perfections.
The six perfections, also known as the Six Paramitas in Buddhism, are fundamental virtues or practices that are cultivated by Bodhisattvas on the path to enlightenment. These perfections are central to Mahayana Buddhism and are considered essential for attaining Buddhahood. They are:
The six perfections, also known as the Six Paramitas in Buddhism, are fundamental virtues or practices that are cultivated by Bodhisattvas on the path to enlightenment. These perfections are central to Mahayana Buddhism and are considered essential for attaining Buddhahood. They are:
- Generosity (Dana): The practice of giving without attachment. This involves giving material goods, time, energy, and even spiritual teachings freely and without expectation of reward.
- Ethical Conduct (Sila): Upholding moral principles and living an ethical life. This includes abstaining from harmful actions, such as killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct, and intoxication, and instead practicing virtues like honesty, kindness, and compassion.
- Patience (Kshanti): The ability to endure hardship, suffering, and adversity without becoming upset or resentful. Patience involves maintaining equanimity and compassion in the face of difficult circumstances or challenging people.
- Diligence (Virya): The enthusiastic effort and perseverance required to overcome obstacles and achieve spiritual goals. This involves cultivating inner strength, determination, and enthusiasm in one's practice.
- Meditative Concentration (Dhyana): The cultivation of focused attention and mental stability through meditation. This involves training the mind to become calm, clear, and concentrated, leading to insight and wisdom.
- Wisdom (Prajna): The culmination of the other perfections, wisdom refers to the deep understanding of the true nature of reality, including the impermanence of all phenomena, the law of cause and effect (karma), and the absence of a permanent, independent self. This wisdom arises from direct insight and is essential for liberation from suffering.
Practicing these six perfections is believed to lead to the attainment of Buddhahood and the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
