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The Six Perfections - List

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The six perfections are a core list of skills relating to Buddhism which when in place allow one the opportunity and the means to follow the Dhamma or teachings which ultimately can lead to understanding and enlightenment.

The Six Perfections - ListThe Six Perfections - ListThe Six Perfections - ListThe Six Perfections - List
The Six Perfections - List

The perfections allow one to follow the teaching to reach enlightenment, which is what some Buddhists attempt to achieve in their lifetime.
To gain Buddhahood, a Buddhist must achieve both perfect compassion and perfect understanding.
The Six Perfections offer a clear method of practising and they stem from the Madhyamika, founded by the Indian monk and philosopher Nagarjuna (150–c. 250 CE), a systematization of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) scriptures, which emphasize the the doctrine of wisdom.
Whenever you see a Buddhist representation showing six arms you can be assured these are representing its ability to subdue the six realms of Samsara with these six paramitas or perfections).
For those who wish lo attain the ultimate goal of full enlightenment, the Buddha gave teachings on the development of great compassion and bodhicitta, and he taught these six perfections.

The Six Perfections

01. Charity, giving or generosity. (dāna)

The sincere and selfless desire to give to to others with no expectations, whether that be time, possessions or skills etc.
Practice of charity will assist in the eradication of ill will and conceit.
Paired with śīla.

02. Morality or ethical self-discipline. (śīla)

Following of the five moral precepts i.e. the Dhamma or Dharma. (See link below);
Following the dharma should not be without thinking, work it into your daily life with intelligence and understanding.
Practice of morality and moral ethics will assist in the eradication of ill will and conceit.
Paired with dāna.

03. Patience, tolerance, forbearance and endurance. (kṣānti)

The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to cultivate patience, free from any trace of animosity towards anyone at all, since any potential source of harm is like a priceless treasure, to the bodhisattva who is eager to enjoy a wealth of virtue.
Being patient with others, enduring hardship and accepting the truth of life’s unsatisfactoriness (or dukkha).
Practice of patience will assist in the eradication of restlessness.
Paired with vīrya.

04. Energy, perseverance or joyous effort. (vīrya)

Making a concerted effort to achieve and attain enlightenment.
Practice of energy will assist in the eradication of doubt and ignorance.
Paired with kṣānti.

05. Meditative or mental stability/concentration. (dhyāna)

A way of helping a person to attain the highest state of consciousness.
Meditation or meditative concentration is the foundation of wisdom. Inner focus and calm are essential for the deep understanding required for Buddhahood.
Paired with prajñā.

06. Wisdom or discriminating awareness. (prajñā or amoha)

The most important perfection to master. The practice of all the bodhisattvas is to cultivate wisdom, though meditation, though skilful means, since it is not possible to attain the perfect level of awakening through the other perfections or paramitas alone, in the absence of wisdom.
Wisdom consists of understanding that all of existence is emptiness (Sunyata). This idea is the foundation of all of the paramitas. Wisdom, which means awareness of Sunyata, is achieved through the previous five paramitas or perfections.
Practice of energy will assist in the eradication of the belief in a permanent ego and ignorance.
Paired with dhyāna.
Prajñā is the remedy for Moha (delusions and confusion).

Synonyms/tags: the six paramitas, the six perfections of the heart, the six transcendental virtues




Or, per your interest, look at other related links;

  The four noble truths.
  The eightfold path.
  The 5 moral precepts.

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