85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections)

85 - The Six Paramitas (Perfections)

From Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto by Alan Peto

November 21, 2025 · 32 min · Episode 85

About this episode

This episode explores the Six Paramitas, the perfections that guide the Bodhisattva's path in Mahayana Buddhism, and their practical application in daily life.

In this episode, we explore the Six Paramitas, the “perfections” that form the gradual training path of a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. From generosity and ethical discipline to patience, joyful effort, concentration, and wisdom, each Paramita is both a practice and an antidote to the obstacles that keep us bound to suffering. We look at how the Paramitas align with the Eightfold Path, why Mahayana emphasizes them as the Bodhisattva’s toolkit, and how they embody the vow to liberate all beings before oneself. Along the way, we uncover what these perfections mean in daily life and how anyone can begin applying them, not as distant ideals but as practical steps toward compassion, clarity, and transformation. By the end, you will see how the Six Paramitas offer a gradual, cumulative path, a way to cultivate enlightened qualities step by step while carrying others with you across the shore of liberation. Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer

People in this episode

Host: Alan Peto

Topics covered

  • Six Paramitas
  • Mahayana Buddhism
  • Bodhisattva
  • compassion
  • spiritual practice
  • transformation

Keywords

  • Six Paramitas
  • Bodhisattva
  • Mahayana Buddhism
  • compassion
  • ethical discipline
  • wisdom
  • spiritual growth

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Six Paramitas (Perfections), Eightfold Path, Mahayana Buddhism

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