With reference to the cultural history of India, which one of the following is the correct description of the term ‘paramitas’?
[amp_mcq option1=”The earliest Dharmashastra texts written in aphoristic (sutra) style” option2=”Philosophical schools that did not accept the authority of Vedas” option3=”Perfections whose attainment led to the Bodhisattva path” option4=”Powerful merchant guilds of early medieval South India” correct=”option3″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
In the cultural history of India, particularly within Buddhism, ‘paramitas’ (Sanskrit) or ‘pāramī’ (Pali) refers to “perfections” or “transcendent virtues”. These are qualities that a Bodhisattva cultivates and perfects over many lifetimes on their path towards Buddhahood (enlightenment). The traditional list includes six paramitas: generosity, discipline, patience, effort, meditation, and wisdom. Some traditions add four more.
‘Paramitas’ is a core concept in Mahayana Buddhism, representing the virtues essential for the Bodhisattva path to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.