Of Benefit To Oneself And Others: A Critique Of The Six Perfections

The six perfections (paramitas), namely: giving charity, upholding the precepts, patience, diligence, meditation, and prajna-wisdom are often thought of as part of the Mahayana Buddhism's bodhisattva path. The word paramita in Sanskrit means to cross over ; the implication is that by practicing these perfections, one can cross over from Samsara (the world of birth, death, and suffering) to Nirvana (the ultimate bliss). Venerable Master Hsing Yun writes, These six perfections will benefit not only others but the one who practices them as well. They are for the liberation of others and also for oneself; they belong to others and oneself.