The First Treatise on the Perfections – 2588
How All the Perfections Are Counted As Two
Just as all the perfections are included in the four foundations they are also
counted as two factors: compassion (
karuṇā
) and wisdom (
paññā
). True, it is
only the virtues, such as giving, morality, etc., founded on compassion and
wisdom which are the requisites for Perfect Self-Awakening resulting in
attainment of omniscience.
This has explained how the 30 perfections are reduced to ten; how the ten
perfections are reduced to six: giving, morality, forbearance, energy, meditation
and wisdom; then how these six perfections are reduced to the four foundations;
and finally, how all the perfections are reduced to two factors: compassion and
wisdom.
13. What Factors Accomplish the Perfections?
To the question: “What are the factors for accomplishing the perfections?” the
answer is:
1. Developing the four kinds of cultivation (
bhāvanā
).
2. Reflecting upon what oppose the perfections and dispelling them.
3. Surrendering oneself to the Buddha.
In short, the means for accomplishing the perfections are an extinction of self-
love and development of love for other beings. To elaborate:
1. The four good means for accomplishing the perfections are
development and accumulation of all the requisites, such as the
perfections (
pāramī
), charity (
cāga
) and good conduct (
cariyā
), not
omitting any of them with the sole aim of achieving omniscience
(
sabba-sambhāra-bhāvanā
); with high esteem and reverence (
sakkacca-
bhāvanā
); without interruption throughout all existence (
nirantara-
bhāvanā
); throughout the long duration without slacking before he
becomes a Buddha (
cira-kāla-bhāvanā
).
2. The Bodhisatta has to abandon beforehand all his personal possessions,
even before alms seekers appear at his door, with the determination:
“Offer I will, without wavering, my life, as well as the wealth and
property that I possess, if people come to ask for them. I will make use
of only what remains, after I have given!”