The Paramita practice section can be used as a potential reminder for any interested practitioners of all Buddhist lineages of our shared history, common basis as well as unique differences and approaches to Buddhist practice. Paramita is a sanskrit (or Pali; 'paramis') word meaning 'perfection', and it is taught that by practising the paramita's, dharma practitioners are able to realise their intention to liberate themselves and others from suffering.
Each related post topic will be a reference to a particular Paramita theme, which itself is an invitation to explore our own practice of that paramita from a familiar as well as more diverse perspective. We hope this will also serve as a reminder of all Buddhist traditions shared practice values as well as how we can learn from each others distinct approaches to these profound practices.
Any posts made about the Paramita's will be labelled by the blogger (i.e. "Generosity paramita") and this will make it available to view in the paramita section.
The Paramita's are universally acknowledged by all Buddhist lineages. In the Theravada tradition there is more focus on the idea of 10 paramita's, however it is generally accepted that the 6 paramita's serve as a valid representative of paramita practice in the Theravada also. To give some idea of this context Bikkhu Bodhi summarizes:
- "It should be noted that in established Theravāda tradition the pāramīs are not regarded as a discipline peculiar to candidates for Buddhahood alone but as practices which must be fulfilled by all aspirants to enlightenment and deliverance, whether as Buddhas, paccekabuddhas, or disciples. What distinguishes the supreme bodhisattva from aspirants in the other two vehicles is the degree to which the pāramīs must be cultivated and the length of time they must be pursued. But the qualities themselves are universal requisites for deliverance, which all must fulfill to at least a minimal degree to merit the fruits of the liberating path."
