A Treatise on the Paramis
by Ācariya Dhammapāla | 1978 | 23,066 words
The work introduces itself as a treatise composed “for clansmen following the suttas who are zealously engaged in the practice of the vehicle to great enlightenment, in order to improve their skilfulness in accumulating the requisites of enlightenment.”...
Chapter II - In What Sense Are They Called "paramis"?
The bodhisattvas, the great beings, are supreme (parama), since they are the highest of beings by reason of their distinguished qualities such as giving, virtue, etc. The paramis -- the activities of giving, etc. -- are their character or their conduct. Or else: he excels, thus he is supreme (parati ti paramo). The bodhisattva is the fulfiller and guardian of the noble qualities such as giving, etc.; that which belongs to the supreme -- the character or conduct of the one who is supreme (i.e. of the bodhisattva) -- is a parami, i.e. the activities of giving, etc.