PARAMITA

in Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) Buddhism, any of the perfections, or transcendental virtues, practiced by bodhisattvas (Buddhas-to-be) in advanced stages of their path toward enlightenment. The six virtues are generosity (dana-paramita); morality (sila-paramita); perseverance (ksanti-paramita); vigour (virya-paramita); meditation, or concentration (dhyana-p aramita); and wisdom (praja-paramita). Some lists expand the virtues to 10 by adding skill in the means of helping others (upaya [kausalya]-paramitas), profound resolution to produce enlightenment (pranidhana-paramita), perfection of the 10 powers (bala-paramita), and practice of transcendent knowledge (jana-paramita).