Exploring the Paramitas

The Paramitas (sometimes written as Paramis for plural), often translated as "Perfections", are qualities of the heart-mind which carry us through the swirling floods of existence—samsara.  These qualities are present in all of us, but due to the causes and conditions of our lives they are often obfuscated. They require deliberate cultivation and encouragement, and a spiritual community.

Many different lists of Paramitas exist in the various Buddhist traditions. Most often these include generosity, ethics, wisdom, patience, renunciation, truthfulness, lovingkindness, determination, energy, skillful means and equanimity. 

When fully cultivated (over lifetimes perhaps), the Paramitas lead to Awakening. In this lifetime, they can guide to us to lead a life well lived, one where we face the world, internally and externally, with wisdom, courage and compassion. This is at the heart of Bodhisattva training. 

Recommend article:

An excellent article by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi on the Arhat Ideal vs. the Bodhisattva Ideal.

Some recommended books:

Parami, Ways to Cross Life’s Floods, by Ajahn Sucitto (free e-book)

The Practice Of Perfection: The Paramitas From A Zen Buddhist Perspective by Robert Aitken

The World Could Be Otherwise: Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path by Norman Fischer

The Bodhisattva Ideal: Wisdom and Compassion in Buddhism by Sangharakshita (free e-book)

Handouts below include various lists of the paramitas, definitions, relevant quotes we used, and some short articles.

Recordings includes talks, Q&A and meditations from our Monday and Wednesday sessions.