In the pathway of uplifting oneself and the world, the Buddha prescribed 6 essential practices (paramitas) as follows:
1) 布施 (charity)
– of teachings, of possessions, of comfort
2) 持戒 (precepts)
– letting go of not-good, manifesting good, manifesting benefits to all beings
3) 忍辱 (endurance)
– of hatred, of suffering, abiding in wisdom
4) 精進 (diligent)
– like a armored soldier, advance in practices that support goodness, that benefit all beings
5) 禪定 (concentration)
– for individual liberation, for manifesting proper karma and abilities, for benefiting all beings
6) 般若 (wisdom)
– in the world, in absolute reality, in benefiting all beings
This 6 practices supports each others as follows: When one is charitable in one’s body and possessions (including one’s self), one is not attached to the body-mind-self which supports the holding of precepts. When one knows what goods and bads are, and can let go badness and manifest goodness, one is in a state of endurance. Continue endurance takes diligent. Diligent practice leads to concentration. In concentration wisdom manifests.
Selfness and holistic practice of these 6 practices empower practitioners with big fortune (charity), entering to blessed realms (precepts), lessening of hatred and enriching of happiness (endurance), leadership (diligent), health in body and mind (concentration), and entering into blessed and proper life (wisdom).
Reference: Sandhinirmocana Sutra – Section 7 (解深密經 – 地波羅蜜多品第七)
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