Dear John,
op 29-04-2003 23:59 schreef John Kelly op palistudent@...:

> Can anyone tell me if the the paramis (paramitas) are
> mentionned in the Pali Canon, other than in the Jataka
> tales?

N: Yes. Cariyaapi.taka, Basket of Conduct, of the Khuddhaka Nikaaya.
Translated in Minor Anthologies Part II, PTS.
They are elaborated on in commentaries, and Ven. Bodhi translated the
"Miscellaneous Sayings" (Pakinnaka), Part of the Co to the Basket of Conduct
in his Book on the Brahmajaalasutta.
They can be classified in different ways, indeed sometimes as 6, as 10, but
also as 30:when they are counted as basic, intermediate and highest or
ultimate (paramattha paraamii).
J: I understand they are made more of a big deal of in

> Mahayana traditions

N: Also in Theravada, for everybody.
The ten perfections are the following:
liberality, daana,
morality, siila,
renunciation, nekkhamma,
wisdom, pa~n~naa
energy, viriya
patience, khanti
truthfulness, sacca,
determination, adi.t.thaana,
loving kindness, mettaa,
equanimity, upekkhaa.

I think it is essential to practise them, none excepted, in daily life. We
have to investigate for ourselves which ones are still deficient.
Acharn Sujin Boriharnwanaket has written a book about this subject in Thai
which I am translating into English. She stresses them as being
indispensable supportive conditions for the realization of the four noble
Truths. However, they should be practised with the aim to eliminate
defilements and without the expectation of any gain for oneself.
In a few months this translation will be on line, http://www.zolag.co.uk .
Nina.