The Six Paramitas

    Mahākāśyapa receiving the special transmission of the Dharma from the Buddha

    by Wikicommons

    The six paramitas form the central practice formulation for Mahayana Buddhism.

    Introduction to the Six Paramitas

    The six paramitas form the central practice of Mahayana Buddhism.

    1. Giving

    The practice of giving isn't just for collecting merit. The giving away of 'myself' is fundamental to Zen training.

    2. Discipline

    We examine what's really meant by discipline in Zen practice.

    3. Patient Endurance

    If we can 'sit' with our impulses, we might find that they leave of their own accord.

    4. Devoted Energy

    This powerful source of energy which we often run away from, is the key to awakening on the Zen path.

    5. Meditation

    In meditation or dhyana, we find the application of all the previous paramitas.

    6. Wisdom

    Prajna (wisdom) is the ‘informing information’ inherent in all things
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    The Paramitas

    The Paramitas guide us to end suffering by giving ourselves wholeheartedly to the Dharma, which requires overcoming the delusion of self through practices like.