Pāramitā (Sanskrit: पारमिता, Pali: pāramī पारमी) is a key concept in Buddhist teachings, often translated as “perfection” or “transcendental virtue.” It refers to the noble qualities cultivated on the path to enlightenment. These perfections are considered essential for those aspiring to attain Buddhahood, as well as for other enlightened beings such as paccekabuddhas (solitary buddhas) and arahants.
The term is used in both Theravāda and Mahāyāna traditions, with variations in the number and classification of perfections. In Theravāda Buddhism, ten pāramīs are emphasized, while Mahāyāna traditions primarily focus on six, later expanded to ten. These virtues serve as guiding principles for ethical and spiritual development, helping practitioners overcome defilements and progress toward liberation.
Etymology and Meaning
The word pāramitā has two commonly discussed etymologies:
- It is derived from parama, meaning “highest,” “supreme,” or “excellent,” suggesting the highest virtues necessary for enlightenment.
- A more poetic interpretation divides it into pāra (“beyond” or “the other shore”) and ita (“gone”), meaning “that which has gone beyond” or “transcendent.” This interpretation aligns with the Buddhist metaphor of crossing the river of suffering (saṃsāra) to reach the shore of nirvāṇa.
In Tibetan Buddhism, pāramitā is translated as pha rol tu phyin pa, which literally means “gone to the other side,” reinforcing its meaning of transcendence.
Pāramitās in Theravāda Buddhism
Canonical Sources
In Theravāda tradition, the ten pāramīs (dasa pāramiyo) are found in later canonical and commentarial texts, particularly in the Buddhavamsa and Cariyāpiṭaka of the Khuddaka Nikāya. These texts describe the perfections cultivated by the historical Buddha during his past lives as a bodhisattva.
The Ten Perfections (Dasa Pāramiyo)
The ten perfections in Theravāda Buddhism are:
- Dāna pāramī – Generosity, giving without attachment
- Sīla pāramī – Virtue, ethical conduct, morality
- Nekkhamma pāramī – Renunciation, detachment from sensual pleasures
- Paññā pāramī – Wisdom, discernment, insight
- Viriya pāramī – Energy, diligence, perseverance
- Khanti pāramī – Patience, forbearance, tolerance
- Sacca pāramī – Truthfulness, honesty
- Adhiṭṭhāna pāramī – Determination, strong resolve
- Mettā pāramī – Loving-kindness, goodwill
- Upekkhā pāramī – Equanimity, impartiality
Historical Development
The pāramīs are not explicitly mentioned as a set in the earliest Buddhist texts (such as the Sutta Piṭaka), but they are present individually. Later, they were systematically grouped and emphasized in Theravāda texts, likely to provide a structured path for bodhisattvas. Some scholars argue that the pāramīs were influenced by Mahāyāna teachings, while others maintain that they evolved within Theravāda to encourage lay participation and devotion to the path of perfection.
Role in Enlightenment
The Theravāda tradition teaches that pāramīs are necessary not only for those aspiring to become Buddhas but also for all who seek enlightenment. However, the depth and duration of their cultivation differ. A samma-sambuddha (fully enlightened Buddha) must perfect them over countless lifetimes, while an arahant fulfills them to a lesser degree.
Pāramitās in Sarvāstivāda Buddhism
The Sarvāstivāda school, an early Buddhist tradition, presents a different classification of pāramitās. The Mahāvibhāṣā, an important Sarvāstivāda text, lists four perfections:
- Dāna – Generosity
- Śīla – Ethical discipline
- Vīrya – Energy, effort
- Prajñā – Wisdom
The text also acknowledges the six pāramitās used in Mahāyāna Buddhism but interprets them differently.
Pāramitās in Mahāyāna Buddhism
In Mahāyāna Buddhism, the pāramitās are central to the bodhisattva path. They are described in texts such as the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtras, the Avataṃsaka Sūtra, and the Lotus Sūtra.
The Six Perfections (Ṣaṭ Pāramitā)
Mahāyāna texts typically list six pāramitās:
- Dāna pāramitā – Generosity
- Śīla pāramitā – Ethical discipline
- Kṣānti pāramitā – Patience, forbearance
- Vīrya pāramitā – Diligence, perseverance
- Dhyāna pāramitā – Meditation, concentration
- Prajñā pāramitā – Wisdom, insight
The Ten Perfections in Mahāyāna
Later Mahāyāna texts, such as the Ten Stages Sutra (Daśabhūmika Sūtra), expand the list to ten, adding:
- Upāya pāramitā – Skillful means
- Praṇidhāna pāramitā – Aspiration, vows
- Bala pāramitā – Spiritual power
- Jñāna pāramitā – Knowledge, gnosis
Descriptions of Key Pāramitās
- Dāna (Generosity): This includes material giving, fearlessness, and the gift of Dharma. A perfected giver understands that neither the giver, recipient, nor gift has inherent existence.
- Śīla (Ethical Conduct): Observance of precepts, including lay and monastic vows, as well as bodhisattva vows.
- Kṣānti (Patience): Enduring suffering, insults, and difficulties without anger, as well as accepting the truth of emptiness.
- Vīrya (Diligence): Tireless effort in practicing the Dharma and helping others.
- Dhyāna (Meditation): Mastery of concentration and insight to cultivate wisdom.
- Prajñā (Wisdom): The direct realization of emptiness, essential for Buddhahood.
Pāramitās in Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism follows the Mahāyāna classification of six and ten pāramitās, integrating them with Vajrayāna practices. The Dalai Lama emphasizes that pāramitās lay the foundation for advanced tantric practices.
Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche describes pāramitās as “transcendent actions,” meaning that they are performed beyond egoic concerns, embodying the wisdom of emptiness.
Conclusion
The pāramitās represent a comprehensive ethical and spiritual framework across Buddhist traditions. Whether in Theravāda, Sarvāstivāda, or Mahāyāna, they guide practitioners toward selflessness, wisdom, and ultimate enlightenment. The six perfections focus on the bodhisattva path, while the ten perfections provide a broader foundation for enlightenment across traditions. Ultimately, their practice transcends conceptual understanding, leading to direct realization of reality.
