THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PARAMIS (PERFECTIONS) IN MAHAYANA PHILOSOPHY

The Pali tem `Parami' or `Paramita' means completeness or perfection or highest state. It refers to the virtues to be produced and cultivated by one who is seeking for or to attain the Bodhisatta ideal. In fact the Parami is the pre- condition of the Buddha to be. They are practically six or ten Paramitas, which is on the other hand, meant by "transcendental virtues", 'highest perfection', 'complete attainment' Paramita, therefore, stands for either the six or ten transcendental virtues. Every Bodhisattva must practice them in order to gain the supreme enlightenment (Sammasambuddhahood). All are practised by Bodhisattvas on the basis of Karuna (compassion) and Panna (wisdom). Cariyapitaka commentary contends that the Bodhisatta practices Paramis through cultivating compassion, which is guided by wisdom. . That is to say that one who practices the Paramis is neither influenced by selfishness, nor sullied by misbelief, but carries all feelings of self-confidence.