The Six Perfections

“The Six Perfections” is a term referring to the list of virtues that have been learned by an enlightened being, or a buddha in Buddhist religion and philosophy. It is a term most generally referred to specifically in Mahāyāna Buddhism. The six perfections, or parāmitās(2), are the objectives of a bodhisattva and are the inevitable vehicle to bring them towards buddhahood. They are often considered to be the general rules and direction of Buddhism teachings. Through translation, the exact words of the perfections and the exact number of perfections vary between texts. However, the original parāmitās and a common translation of the six perfections are (2):

Dāna Parāmitā – The Perfection of Generosity

Śīla Parāmitā – The Perfection of Discipline

Kṣānti Parāmitā – The Perfection of Patience

Vīrya Parāmitā – The Perfection of Diligence 

Dhyāna Parāmitā – The Perfection of Concentration 

Prajñā Parāmitā – The Perfection of Wisdom (3)

There are variations of the six perfections that all have the same base purpose: the virtues of a bodhisattva on the way to becoming a buddha. The other most common variation has 10 perfections, but there are several others in other various texts. The order of the perfections is important to buddhist tradition as well. In early Mahāyāna Buddhism, however, there are 6 perfections, which is the variation being referred to in this section (2). Mahāyāna Buddhism is often called the Great Vehicle, as it is one of the more widely known and practiced traditions of Buddhism. The six perfections are practiced over multiple lifetimes and many eons by a bodhisattva. Bodhi- meaning bud- translates to “to be awakened,” and -sattva translates to “an individual.” A bodhisattva is a being on the way to becoming a Buddha. 

Mahāyāna Buddhism is the most vast of the buddhist traditions, the idea that everyone has the buddha inside of them, and that enlightenment occurs over at least thousands of lifetimes make Mahāyāna Buddhism the most expansive branch. The main other ideas of Mahāyāna Buddhism are the importance of wisdom, the sixth perfection. Wisdom refers to mindfulness, and the theory of emptiness, which is discussed in more detail in the “Prajna Parāmitā” section. Another important aspect to Mahāyāna Buddhism is that the primary motivation for beings is compassion, or to enlighten others(4). Many of the other characteristics of Mahāyāna Buddhism are represented in the individual perfections themselves. Starting with the perfection of generosity. 

Dāna Parāmitā – The perfection of generosity is listed first because it is the beginning of the path. It is considered the “entryway to the dharma(2)”. The perfection of generosity is intending to benefit others without any expectation of reward or pleasure for that act of good. There must be no selfishness attached. In The Way of the Bodhisattva, on page 127, Santideva states 

“All the joy the world contains

Has come through wishing happiness for others. 

All the misery the world contains

Has come from wanting pleasure for oneself.” 

This knowledge is a combination of many of the perfections, however it is based on the idea of generosity, that compassion is wanting to benefit others not wanting pleasure for oneself(3). The perfection of generosity is the first step towards enlightenment. 

Śīla Parāmitā – The perfection of discipline is the next step. This step is also often translated to morality. The perfection of morality is based off of the precepts, which guide beings but are not strict rules with how to live everyday. Beings are meant to find their own moral code and are meant to learn to respond appropriately due to their selfless compassion. One is meant to refrain from harm and remain peaceful(1). 

Kṣānti Parāmitā – This translates to the perfection of patience, or more literally, “able to withstand”(2). The main point of this is to accept the truth, and to be able to withstand it. It especially refers to the acceptance of the 4 Noble Truths: the truth of suffering, the truth of causes of suffering, the truth of cessation and the truth of the path. The truth of the path refers back to the six perfections as well as other paths. Being able to withstand this truth is said to demonstrate learned patience, or the ability to be unperturbed through trouble(2).

Vīrya Parāmitā – The perfection of diligence is the energy put forth to follow the dharma and to focus on the goals of enlightenment(2). Another way this is translated is the perfection of energy or the perfection of positive energy. In essence, this perfection is the effort to realize enlightenment. 

Dhyāna Parāmitā – The perfection of concentration is the perfection of insight, along with the perfection of lucidity. It is the practice of staying focused on the realization of enlightenment and restraining from losing to distraction. 

Prajñā Parāmitā – The perfection of wisdom is the last and most relevant of the 6 perfections. It remains the same in most variations of the perfections and paths because of this importance. It is also stated that all of the other perfections must be achieved before the perfection of wisdom can be practiced or reached, and it is said to contain all other perfections. The perfection of wisdom is said to be “the door to enlightenment(3),” as once this perfection is achieved, as are all the others, and one is enlightened. The idea of wisdom in this case is specific. The buddhist theory of emptiness is what is referred to in this sense of the word. This philosophical theory is the realization that all phenomena are without self essence and with an intrinsic nature. The idea of transcendent knowledge is achieved. This is the comprehension and awareness that there is no dualism between self and others or subject and object.  In order for this to be achieved, one must perceive this knowledge for themselves and experience it directly(3). This philosophy is incredibly important to the basis of Mahāyāna Buddhism. In this tradition, all realities are seen as empty. This is the center theory of the wheel of Mahāyāna Buddhism(4).

References: 

1. Apple, James B. “Perfections (Six and Ten).” Perfections (Six and Ten) – Buddhism – Oxford Bibliographies, Oxford, 23 Oct. 2019, www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0034.xml#firstMatch.
2. O’Brien, Barbara. “A Guide to Practicing the Six Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 27 Apr. 2019, www.learnreligions.com/the-six-perfections-449611.
3. O’Brien, Barbara. “Sunyata – The Perfection of Wisdom in Buddhism.” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 25 June 2019, www.learnreligions.com/sunyata-or-emptiness-450191.
4. O’Brien, Barbara. “What Is Mahayana Buddhism? How Does It Differ From Theravada Buddhism?” Learn Religions, Learn Religions, 27 Apr. 2019, www.learnreligions.com/mahayana-buddhism-overview-450004.
5. Shantideva, and Padmakara Translation Group. Way of the Bodhisattva. Shambhala Publications Inc, 2006.

Further Readings: 

• The Way of the Bodhisattva by Santideva. The author of this is a well known monk that is outlines the 6 perfections in great detail in the chapters. He is said to have immediately transcended samsara after announcing the script that is this book. There are further explanations of each of the six, each with their own chapter. 
• https://www.ancient.eu/Perfection_of_Wisdom/ – The Perfection of Wisdom in The Ancient History Encyclopedia. This article details the perfection of wisdom and discusses the historical context and the cultural influences on the perfection and traditions along with it. 
• https://www.shambhala.com/perfection-of-patience/ – The perfection of Patience. This article details the third perfection. It explains the benefits of difficult situations and having patience with personal hardships and suffering in relationships.

External Links: 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsbGdZXtJ7Q – Practicing the Six Perfections with Geshe Dadul Namgyal: Paramita of Generosity. – This video details the relevance of the perfection of generosity with specific examples.  Namgyal explains how to practice this perfection as well, in terms of material goods and the dharma itself. Namgyal is a teacher at buddhist monasteries, demonstrating his relevance and reliability. 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-X8QVfEzho&feature=youtu.be – Ringu Tulku discusses the importance and benefits of practicing the 6 perfections along with how these perfections bring positivity and balance to life. Ringu Tulku is a tibeten teacher. 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnbSkuAafms – Kusala Bhikshu discussing the six perfections. This details each of the perfections and applies them to modern day life in a motivational and inspirational manor. Kusala Bhikshu is a reverend and respected modern buddhist.