Pāramitā (Sanskrit) or Parami (Pāli): "Perfection" or "Transcendent". In Buddhism, the Paramitas refer to the perfection or culmination of certain practices. These practices are cultivated by Bodhisattvas for crossing from sensuous life (Samsara) to Enlightenment (Nirvana).

In Theravada Buddhism, the Ten Perfections (Paramis) are; (original terms in Pali)

1. dāna parami : generosity, giving of oneself
2. sīla parami : virtue, morality, proper conduct
3. nekkhamma parami : renunciation
4. pañña parami : transcendental wisdom, insight
5. viriya parami : energy, diligence, vigour, effort
6. khanti parami : patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance
7. sacca parami : truthfulness, honesty
8. adhitthana parami : determination, resolution
9. metta parami : loving-kindness
10. upekkha parami : equanimity, serenity

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajna-paramita) Sutra and Lotus (Saddharmapundarika) Sutra list the Six Perfections as; (original terms in Sanskrit)

1. Dāna paramita: generosity, giving of oneself
2. Sila paramita : virtue, morality, proper conduct
3. Kṣanti paramita : patience, tolerance, forbearance, acceptance, endurance
4. Virya paramita : energy, diligence, vigour, effort
5. Dhyāna paramita : one-pointed concentration, contemplation
6. Prajña paramita : wisdom, insight

The later Ten Stages (Dasabhumika) Sutra lists another four;

7. Upāya paramita: skillful means

8. Pranidhana paramita: vow, resolution, aspiration, determination

9. Bala paramita: spiritual power

10. Jñana paramita: knowledge

External links

• Compassion and Bodhicitta
• Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (log in with userID "guest")
• Renunciation by T. Prince, a free distribution article on the Buddhist conception of renunciation

Buddhist philosophical concepts | Virtue

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