Dāna (දාන) — Generosity
Giving freely without expectation, cultivating selflessness and compassion.
Ten Paramitas (දස පාරමිතා)
The Paramitas represent the highest qualities of character and practice, cultivated over countless lifetimes. They transform ordinary virtues into transcendent perfections, forming the foundation of the bodhisattva path.
The Ten Perfections
Sīla (ශීල) — Morality
Upholding ethical conduct, refraining from harmful actions, living in harmony with Dharma.
Nekkhamma (නෙක්ඛම්ම) — Renunciation
Letting go of worldly attachments and desires, fostering simplicity and inner freedom.
Paññā (ප්රඥා) — Wisdom
Insight into reality: impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
Viriya (විරිය) — Energy
Perseverance and diligence in practice, overcoming laziness and discouragement.
Khanti (ඛන්ති) — Patience
Enduring hardship and criticism with equanimity, fostering resilience and compassion.
Sacca (සච්ච) — Truthfulness
Living and speaking truthfully, aligning words and actions with integrity.
Adhiṭṭhāna (අධිට්ඨාන) — Determination
Resolute commitment to the path, unwavering focus on enlightenment.
Mettā (මෙත්තා) — Loving-kindness
Radiating goodwill and benevolence toward all beings, without discrimination.
Upekkhā (උපෙක්ඛා) — Equanimity
Maintaining balance of mind amidst gain and loss, pleasure and pain.
Significance
The Paramitas are cultivated across infinite kalpas, embodying the bodhisattva’s journey. They remind practitioners that enlightenment is achieved not through power or miracles, but through steady cultivation of virtue, wisdom, and compassion.
Sources and Further Reading
These sources provide canonical context and scholarly interpretation of the Ten Paramitas in Buddhist traditions.