What are the paramitas in Buddhism?

What are the paramitas in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight February 17, 2024 Duration: 18:49

Bright on Buddhism Episode 82 - What are the paramitas in Buddhism? How ought one cultivate them? How do understandings of them change over time?

Resources: Bodhi, Bhikkhu (1978). The All-Embracing Net of Views. Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society.; Bodhi, Bhikkhu (ed.) (1978, 2005). Lopez, Donald S. Jr. (1988). The Heart Sutra Explained: Indian and Tibetan Commentaries. SUNY Press. ISBN 978-0-88706-589-7.; Cantegreil, Mathieu; Chanana, Dweep; Kattumuri, Ruth, eds. (2013). Revealing Indian Philanthropy (PDF). Alliance Publishing Trust. ISBN 9781907376191. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-07-05. Retrieved 2023-07-05.; Bodhi, Bhikkhu (2000). The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Saṃyutta Nikāya. Somerville, Mass.: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-331-1.; A Chanting Guide. Dhammayut Order in the United States of America. 1994. Archived from the original on 2009-03-06.; Nandisena, Bhikkhu (2000). "Khantivadi Jataka". El Centro Mexicano del Buddhismo Theravada. J 313. Archived from the original on 2000-06-21. Retrieved 2007-07-08.; Cowell, E.B., ed. (2006) [1895]. The Jātaka or Stories of the Buddha's Former Births. Vol. II. Translated by Rouse, W.H.D. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.; "Kakacupama Sutta: The Simile of the Saw (excerpt)". Access to Insight. Translated by Thanissaro, Bhikkhu. 1997c. MN 21. Retrieved 3 Jul 2007.; Federman, Asaf (2009), "Literal means and hidden meanings: a new analysis of skillful means" (PDF), Philosophy East and West, 59 (2): 125–141, doi:10.1353/pew.0.0050, S2CID 574336; Matsunaga, Daigan and Alicia (1974). The concept of upāya in Mahāyāna Buddhist philosophy, Japanese Journal of Buddhist Studies 1 (1), 51–72; Pye, Michael (1978). Skilful Means - A concept in Mahayana Buddhism. London: Gerald Duckworth & Co. Ltd. ISBN 0-7156-1266-2; Snellgrove, David (1987). Indo-Tibetan Buddhism: Indian Buddhists & Their Tibetan Successors (2 volumes). Boston, Massachusetts, USA: Shambhala Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-87773-311-2 (v. 1) & ISBN 0-87773-379-1 (v. 2); Schroeder, John (2001) Skillful Means: The Heart of Buddhist Compassion. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0-8248-2442-3; Tatz, M., trans. (1994). The Skill in Means (Upayakausalya) Sutra. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass; Blo-gros-mthaʼ-yas, Koṅ-sprul; Taye, Lodro; Rinpoche, Bokar (2003). Śes bya mthaʼ yas paʼi rgya mtsho [Complete Explanation of the Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva and Vajrayana Vows – Buddhist Ethics]. Treasury of Knowledge. Ithaca: Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 1-55939-191-X. OCLC 52906881.; Panchen, Ngari; Gyalpo, Pema Wangyi; Rinpoche, Dudjom (1996). Sdom gsum rnam ṅes [Perfect Conduct: Ascertaining the Three Vows]. Translated by Gyurme Samdrub; Sangye Khandro. Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0-86171-083-6. OCLC 34669418.; Rinpoche, Bokar (1997). Vœu de Bodhisattva [Taking the Bodhisattva Vow]. Translated by Christiane Buchet. San Francisco: ClearPoint Press. ISBN 978-0-9630371-8-3. OCLC 42015705.; Rinchen, Sonam; Chandragomin (2000). Sonam, Ruth (ed.). Bodhisattvasaṃvaraviṃśaka [The Bodhisattva Vow]. Translated by Ruth Sonam. Ithaca: Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 1-55939-150-2. OCLC 44026191.; Tson-Kha-Pa (1986). Asanga's Chapter on Ethics, with the Commentary of Tsong-Kha-Pa: The Basic Path to Awakening – The Complete Bodhisattva. Translated by Mark Tatz. Lewiston: Edwin Mellen Press. ISBN 0-88946-054-X. OCLC 605654078

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
Podcast Episodes
Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra - Chapters 8-9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:33
Chapters 8 and 9 of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss the Burton Watson translation of Chapters 8 and 9 of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra Resources: Cole, Alan (2005). Text as Father: Paternal…
Kōan Series - No Mind, No Buddha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:08
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 6 - No Mind, No Buddha Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism, called the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to tr…
Who is Nichiren? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:00
Bright on Buddhism Episode 61 - Who was Nichiren? What were some of his views, works, and accomplishments? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism? Resources: Christensen, J. A. (2000). Nichiren. Fremont, CA: Jai…
Who is Rahula? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:31
Bright on Buddhism Episode 60 - Who is Rahula? What role does he play in the texts? How does this role change over time? Resources: Crosby, Kate (2013), "The Inheritance of Rāhula: Abandoned Child, Boy Monk, Ideal Son an…
What is the relationship between Buddhism and social revolution? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
Bright on Buddhism - Social Revolution - What is the relationship between Buddhism and social revolution? How has that relationship played out in history? How has it played out in the modern era? Resources: Puligandla, R…
What is the 3 bodies (trikaya) doctrine in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
Bright on Buddhism Episode 59 - What is the 3 bodies doctrine in Buddhism? What role does it play in ritual and doctrine? How have understandings of it changed over time? Resources: Radich, Michael (2007). Problems and O…
What is violence in Buddhism? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:21
Bright on Buddhism - Violence - What constitutes violence in Buddhism? How does the conception of violence change over time? According to the Buddhist scriptures, what ought to be done about violence? Content warning - T…
Who is Subhuti? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:47
Bright on Buddhism 58 - Who is Subhuti? What role does he play in the texts? What is his role in Mahayana Buddhism? Resources: Adamek, Wendi Leigh (2007), The Mystique of Transmission: On an Early Chan History and Its Co…
Buddhish Episode 10 - The Dalai Lama Names a Successor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:51
Buddhish Episode 10 - The Dalai Lama Names a Successor News Resources: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/dalai-lama-reincarnation-succession-china-8525467/ https://stratnewsglobal.com/general/dalai-lama-moves-t…
Why do some say that Buddhism is not a religion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:57
Bright on Buddhism Episode 57 - Why do some say that Buddhism is not a religion? What evidence have they for that claim? What are the historical roots of this debate? Resources: The Making of Buddhist Modernism, David L.…