The Ten Paramitas: Crossing to the Other Shore

In this dharma talk during Spring Practice Period Sesshin, Sensei Shinzan thoroughly explores the Ten Paramitas (Perfections) of Mahayana Buddhism. He works backward from the tenth to the first, covering knowledge, powers, vow, skillful means, wisdom, meditation, effort, patience, ethical conduct, and generosity. Shinzan clarifies that paramitas aren’t about Western-style perfection but wholeness: “Perfection here means more like wholeness or completion, something that you really capture the whole thing.” He makes each paramita accessible, clarifying concepts like knowledge vs. wisdom or ‘psychic powers’ as actual expressions of natural talents. When discussing generosity, he describes it as “the sword that opens your selfishness” – a practice that directly confronts our self-clinging and helps us connect with others. Throughout, Shinzan shows how these ten practices work together, supporting both our internal growth and our ability to benefit others and actualize our bodhisattva vows. To access the resources page for this program, please sign up by clicking here.