Wayne Thiebaud, Candied Apples, from Delights link From Standing on the Edge by Joan Halifax
The six paramitas or perfections, of Buddhism: generosity, virtue, patience, wholeheartedness, concentration, and wisdom.
- Generosity is giving compassionate support, protection, teachings, and attention to those who need it.
- Virtue, or living by vow, is about directing principled compassion toward all beings, een those who harm others. (vows are about doing good, not harming, and caring for others)
- Patience means being fully in the present moment and letting go of the agression we might experience when we realize that we cannot control outcomes.
- Wholeheartedness ... an antidote to the subtle discouragement that occassionally arises. It takes energy and determination to keep showing up, whether in the hospital, classroom, or boardroom... it also takes zeal, will, and concentration to live the wisdom of no escape, no hiding out, no denial.
- Concentration, attentiveness, which, along with patience, is a way to prevent escape from th present moment. Be like a deer in the forest: one who is alert, gentle, and present to whatever arises.
- Wisdom, which is about directly experiencing the nature of reality.
She ends the book with a meditation practice that reinforces these these things (p. 228)
- May I be generous.
- May I cultivate integrity and respect
- May I be patient and see clearly the suffering of others
- May I be energetic, steadfast, and wholehearted
- May I cultivate a calm and inclusive mind and heart so I can compassionately serve all beings
- May I nurture wisdome and impart the benefit of any insights I may to others
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