With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term paramitas?

1. A. The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style
2. B. Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas
3. C. Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path
4. D. Powerful merchant guilds of early Medieval South India

Answer: C

Explanation

The Fourth Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, gives what the Buddhist pilgrim (or practitioner) has to practice, and the path which he has to follow, to achieve Enlightenment and realize Nibbana. There is a parallel path which consists of perfecting certain qualities, which leads the pilgrim to becoming a Samma Sambuddha, a self Enlightened Universal Buddha. The qualities are called the Paramis (perfections) in the Southern traditions and theParamitas in the Eastern and Northern traditions. The elements of the Noble Path and the Paramis are similar. Hence option (c) is the correct answer. The ten Paramis are: Generosity – giving help and benefit to other living beings Morality – live an ethical life Renunciation – renounce worldly pleasures Wisdom – achieve a right understanding of life and the world Energy – persistent effort and not being discouraged by failures Patience – patiently accept life’s ups and downs Truthfulness – honesty and truthfulness in all things Determination – unwavering determination to progress on the path Loving-kindness – show benevolence and compassion to all things Equanimity – develop a perfect mental equilibrium. The ten Paramitas of the Eastern and Northern traditions are; Generosity Morality Patience Energy Meditation Wisdom Skillful means Resolution Power Knowledge Despite slight differences in the wording, the two sets of qualities are similar.