I have put together this essay on the Six Paramitas or the Six perfections because for me they are more than a useful code to live by. For the individual on the path to Enlightenment, or those looking for a more philosophical way of life, for small groups of people or nation states, generosity, morality, patience, joyful effort, concentration and wisdom are enriching for all irrespective of race, religion, colour or creed. All living beings have Buddha nature. I realise I might tread on the toes of of those who would describe my interpretation of the Six Perfections as “loose”. For those I offend I apologise, for those wanting more information please write to me for book lists, meditation centres and website addresses I welcome your comments.
A lifetimes interest in sailing has taught me time and time again the need to learn the lessons of getting on with each other in a small, confined environment. When you are in the middle of the ocean it is too late to find out you do not like your companions; you can not just walk away from your responsibilities, or ignore the needs of others and they have the same responsibilities to you. So, we develop an unconditional, “duty of care” for each other and the environment we find ourselves in.
On a larger, cosmic scale, we are all on the same densely populated “planetary ship” sailing through the universe together. There is no chart, sailing directions, destination, or port of call; our ship is just “sailing” on a vast boundary-less cosmic ocean. It does not matter what race, religion, creed, colour or ethnic background we are from, we are all on the same ship, we cannot get off, we need to work together, we have to be self sufficient, and we all have the same “duty of care” for each other and the environment that supports our very existence.
When we realise the fragility of our own existence and accept unconditionally, the responsibility for others then why is it so difficult to get on with each other? The idea of a “code of conduct” or “model” which we can all live by becomes quite a burden when you have to abide by rules that some one else has made, but a code of conduct that we can grow into is much easier to accept. The principal of the Six Perfections is a good code of conduct to live by for Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. By practicing the Six Perfections one generates discipline and harmony in our physical and verbal actions, and take a step by step path to lasting happiness By following this path anyone can transform their mind from its present confused and self-centered state into the blissful mind of an enlightened one.
Accepting that all living beings have the seed or potential to become an enlightened one or Buddha, then, as a Buddha-to-be or Bodhisattva, we should have developed morality, compassion and wisdom to such a degree that Enlightenment and entry to Nirvana is possible. (Well this would be possible with a bit more practice than we average mortals show in our everyday lives).
There are six practices that we as “Potential Bodhisattva’s” need to cultivate in order to reach enlightenment. These practices are known as the “Six Perfections,” or the Six Paramitas. The Six Perfections are:
<br>1. Generosity, (Dāna paramita: generosity, giving of oneself).
2. Morality, (Sila paramita : virtue, morality, proper conduct).
3. Patience, (Ksanti paramita : patience, tolerance, acceptance).
4. Joyful effort, (Virya paramita : energy, diligence, vigor, effort).
5. Concentration, (Dhyāna paramita : meditation, contemplation).
6. Wisdom. (Prajña paramita : wisdom, insight).r>
>*(Some Buddhist teachings mention ten perfections)
Breathe deep, take up the challenge, change your life
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