six paramitas
The six paramitas (paramita meaning either perfection or transcendent quality depending on the etymology) are qualities a bodhisattva cultivates to actualize the Dharma and liberate sentient beings:
- dana: generosity, giving, selflessnes
- sila: virtue, ethical conduct, discipline
- ksanti: patient forebearance, endurance, acceptance
- virya: effort, vigor, energy, dilligence
- dhyana: one-pointed concentration, absorption, contemplation (see zen, ultimately a corruption of this same word)
- prajna: wisdom, insight