Pāramitā Skt., lit. “that which has reached the other shore, ” the transcendental. The Pāramitās, generally translated as “the perfections,” are the virtues perfected by a bodhisattva in the course of his development (bhūmi). There are six of these: (1) dāna-pāramitā (generosity), (2) shīla-pāramitā (discipline), (3) kshānti-pāramitā (patience), (4) vīrya-pāramitā (energy or exertion), (5) dhyāna-pāramitā (meditation), (6) prajñā-pāramitā (wisdom). Frequently four further virtues are added, which were accepted into the canon later: (7) upāya-kaushala-pāramitā (right method or means), (8) pranidhāna-pāramitā (vow), (9) bala-pāramitā (manifestation of the ten powers, dashabala), (10) jñāna-pāramitā (knowledge of the true definition of all dharmas).
Dāna-pāramitā consists of beneficence and giving in both the material and spiritual sense. This includes being compassionate and kind and not keeping accumulated merit for oneself but rather dedicating it to the liberation of all beings (dāna). Shīla-pāramitā includes proper behavior conducive to the eradication of all passions and the securing of a favorable rebirth for the sake of liberating all beings (shīla). Kshānti-pāramitā refers to the patience and tolerance that arise from the insight that all the problems of beings have causes. Vīrya-pāramitā is resolute effort that does not permit itself to be diverted by anything. Dhyāna-pāramitā here means meditation as the way of cutting through the illusion of an ego and of not experiencing oneself as separate from other beings (dhyāna). Prajñā-pāramitā is the realization of supreme wisdom (prajñā).
Source: The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen. Shambhala Publications, Inc.
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