VI: Sumedha’s Reflection on the Perfections – 75 

 

1. The Perfection of Generosity 

While Sumedha was engaged in the investigation of the Buddha-making factors, 
he discovered first the perfection of generosity which former Bodhisattas had 
always followed and practised, and which was like a highway to the state of 
Buddhahood. Then he admonished himself thus (Bv 118): 

“Sumedha, if you are desirous of attaining the knowledge of the paths, 
fruitions and omniscience,

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 you should constantly establish first, the 

perfection of generosity and make efforts to become accomplished in 
fulfilling this perfection.” 

He continued to admonish himself thus (Bv 119-120): 

“When a jar, full with liquid, is overturned, it pours out all its contents. 
Likewise, Sumedha, you should give alms to all, whether low, middling or 
high, leaving nothing with you.”

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2. The Perfection of Morality 

After discovering and reflecting on the perfection of generosity, he went on to 
contemplate thus (Bv 121): 

“The perfection of generosity alone cannot constitute all the Buddha-
making factors. There must be other factors that also contribute to the 
maturity of the knowledge of the paths, fruitions and omniscience. I shall 
investigate them.” 

When he investigated thus, he discovered morality as the second perfection 
which former Bodhisattas had always cultivated and fulfilled. He admonished 
himself thus (Bv 122): 

“Sumedha, if you are desirous of attaining the knowledge of the paths, 
fruitions and omniscience, you should constantly establish the perfection 
of morality and make efforts to become accomplished in fulfilling this 
perfection.” 

He continued to admonish himself (Bv 124-125): 

                                                      

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 That is, becoming a Buddha, says the author. 

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 Details of the perfection are given in the Further Explanations. So are details of each 

and every item of the remaining perfections.