Question
Q11. With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?
a. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic(sutra) style
b. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
c. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
d. Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India
Answer: C
Detailed Explanation
| Generosity (Dana paramita) | Willingness to give to others what they need, whether that be time, possessions or skills. Willingness to give without regret and with joy, and to give without expectation of reward. |
|---|---|
| Morality (Sila paramita) | Following the Dhamma (or Dharma) in all aspects, but not without thinking. Working the Dhamma into one’s daily life with intelligence and understanding. |
| Patience (Ksanti paramita) | Also translated as ‘tolerance’ or ‘endurance’. Being patient with others, enduring hardship and accepting the truth of life’s unsatisfactoriness (or dukkha). |
| Energy (Virya paramita) | Dedication to attaining Buddhahood. |
| Meditation (Dhyana paramita) | Meditation is the foundation of wisdom. Inner focus and calm are essential for the deep understanding required for Buddhahood. |
| Wisdom (Prajna paramita) | Wisdom consists of understanding that all of existence is emptiness (sunyata). This idea is the foundation of all of the paramitas. Wisdom, which means awareness of sunyata, is achieved through the previous five paramitas. |
