Six Paramitas

Service Description

Simply seeing ourselves as ignorant people trapped in suffering and despair can leave us discouraged. Although this perspective may make us want to escape, it does not equip us to advance on the spiritual path. For this reason, Mahayana Buddhism strongly emphasises the need to cultivate bodhicitta. To free ourselves from samsara's hold, we cultivate wisdom and compassion by practising the six paramitas, or 'transcendental actions', which signify a movement beyond a fixed sense of self. In Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, progress requires transcending conventional self-understanding. A paramita is 'transcendental' because it embodies a non-egocentric approach or attitude. The six paramitas shape how we live and see the world, guiding us beyond the domain of ego. Suggested course reading: The Essence of Buddhism by Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche Widely regarded as one of the best introductions to Tibetan Buddhism, this clear overview explores the tradition through its three classical "vehicles": Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Rather than treating them simply as stages of historical development, Traleg Kyabgon presents them as attitudes we bring to Buddhist practice. Chapter 7, "Realizing Wisdom and Compassion through the Six Paramitas", is the focus of this course.