paramis

THE TEN PARAMIS
(The Ten Perfections)

The ten paramis are a set of ten qualities in which one has to perfect oneself in order to be able to attain Nibbana. A good act amounts to parami only if it is performed with the aspiration to attain Nibbana. Otherwise it is merely a meritorious deed which, though giving good results, does not directly support one’s efforts towards Nibbana. The ten paramis are:

Resources:

A Treatise on the Paramis - From the Commentary to the Cariyapitaka, by Acariya Dhammapala. Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi. (The Wheel Publication No. 409/411). A detailed explanation of the paramis for those who strive to improve their skilfulness in accumulating the requisites for enlightenment. [Order this book]

The Ten Perfections ( A Study Guide)

PARAMIS: The Ten Perfections (A Meditation)

The Perfection of Generosity - A treatise on the paramita of Dana (Generosity).

Cultivating Mindful Living - A Paramis Table

Paramis: The Heart of Buddha's Teaching and Our Own Practice - This article is adapted from a one-day workshop offered by Sylvia Boorstein at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies on April 5, 1997.

The 10 Perfections of Heart - Real Audio tapes of a talk given by Jack Kornfield on May 19, 1997, courtesy of Dharma Seed Tape Library (53:19 min.).

The Application of the Paramis in Meditation - this excerpt from the biography of Ajahn Mun, a Thai meditation master and teacher of Ajahn Chah, illustrates how the Paramis support one's practice and, when developed to their ultimate perfection, lead to awakening. In this segment, while meditating in a cave in a remote area of Northeast Thailand, Ajahn Mun confronts a fierce demon with wisdom and compassion. See how many of the Paramis you can identify in this account of Ajahn Mun's thoughts and actions. The Paramis are: Generosity, Virtue, Renunciation, Wisdom, Effort, Patience, Truthfulness, Determination, Loving-Kindness, and Equanimity.

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