Significance of Perfection
Synonyms: Excellence, Ideal, Completeness, Superiority, Mastery, Refinement, Precision, Uttermost, Pinnacle, Sublimity, Supremacy
In Dutch: Perfectie; In Finnish: Täydellisyys; In Spanish: Perfección
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Perfection'
In Buddhism, Perfection encompasses essential qualities (paramitas) like charity, morality, patience, and wisdom that bodhisattvas cultivate throughout their journey to enlightenment, ultimately representing a state of completeness and fulfillment leading to Buddhahood.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Qualities or virtues that must be developed over time by a Bodhisatta in their journey to Buddhahood, including morality, wisdom, and loving-kindness.[1] (2) Qualities that future Buddhas fulfill over extensive periods to eventually attain enlightenment.[2] (3) The virtues and qualities that the Bodhisatta develops in his journey toward Enlightenment, including generosity, moral integrity, and energy.[3] (4) Qualities or virtues that Bodhisattas fulfill on their path to become Buddhas.[4] (5) The qualities cultivated by the Buddha over aeons, essential for following the Ariya Path towards enlightenment.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Qualities cultivated in the Buddhist path that lead to a higher understanding and attainment of enlightenment.[6] (2) Qualities cultivated to attain supreme enlightenment, with metta being one of them.[7] (3) The ultimate state achieved when one has transcended desires and attachments.[8]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The wholesome qualities developed by the Bodhisatta during his numerous lives leading to Buddhahood.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A term used to describe nirvana, highlighting the state of completeness and fulfillment it represents.[10] (2) Qualities or practices like morality, generosity, and compassion that serve as gates to deeper concentrations.[11]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) Six qualities to be perfected by bodhisattvas on their way to complete enlightenment—charity or giving, discipline or morality, forbearance or patience, exertion or perseverance, meditation, and wisdom.[12]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The state of genuine completeness or realization that can be achieved through the practice and cultivation discussed in the teachings.[13]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) Qualities that are not different from the act of accepting the True Dharma, highlighting the cultivation of virtues like giving and patience.[14]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Attributes of completeness and excellence that are seen as ideals on the spiritual path, guiding practitioners toward liberation.[15]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Perfections are the virtuous qualities that the Bodhisat cultivated, which he reflected on when facing Mara's army.[16]
Hindu concept of 'Perfection'
In Hinduism, Perfection encompasses the ultimate spiritual attainment, characterized by completeness, mastery, and union with the divine. It is achieved through devotion, righteous practices, and yogic techniques, ultimately leading to liberation and realization of Krishna or Brahman.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The state of spiritual realization or accomplishment that the yogi is asked about.[17] (2) A state of completeness or flawlessness associated with Lord Balarama's patala.[18] (3) The ultimate spiritual goal that is attained by following the prescribed practices as outlined in the text.[19]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The various spiritual achievements or realizations that can be attained by devotees, particularly when visiting Shri Mathura.[20]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, seeking complete union with, and realization of Krishna.[21]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Contrasts the divine qualities of the Lord's message with the deficiencies that human efforts may present.[22]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The state acquired by those who speak of or show reverence to Rama.[23]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ultimate state of attainment that Alarka sought through his practices, emphasized as the highest good.[24]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A state of completeness or ultimate realization in spiritual practice, often attained through devotion and righteousness.[25]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The state achieved when the Yogi successfully subdues hunger and thirst by applying the principles related to the throat-well.[26] (2) In the context of the text, refers to the attainments or achievements that result from yogic practices and mental discipline.[27] (3) An ultimate state of mastery or complete understanding that can be accomplished through practiced techniques like Samyama.[28]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual pursuits, achieved through the correct performance of duties, sacrifices, and devotion to the Supreme.[29]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate goal of liberation and union with Brahman, free from the cycle of birth and death.[30]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The state achieved by a religious student as a result of retaining knowledge, fulfilling the law, and embodying virtues such as uprightness and forgiveness.[31]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The ultimate state achieved as a result of Hari’s manifestation.[32]
Jain concept of 'Perfection'
In Jainism, Perfection embodies the pinnacle of moral and spiritual attainment, pursued by sages through disciplined practices, leading to the absence of suffering and full mindfulness—representing the ultimate spiritual goal.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The state that great sages seek to attain by eliminating all forms of misery through disciplined practices.[33] (2) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, characterized by the absence of suffering and complete mindfulness.[34]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The state of achieving the highest level of moral and spiritual realization.[35]
The concept of Perfection in local and regional sources
Perfection symbolizes an ideal of ultimate beauty and character, perceived as unattainable for humanity. This pursuit can result in decay and destruction, highlighting the paradox of striving for an impossible standard.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An ideal representing ultimate beauty, thought, and character, noted as unattainable by mankind, leading to decay and destruction.[36]