The Right Aim is for Nibbana

The final goal of a Buddhist is to attain Nibbana, or enlightenment. We should aspire for enlightenment whenever we practise dana, sila and bhavana ie. generosity, morality and mental development instead of wishing for worldly possessions.

There is a threefold classification of Enlightenment:

1 Sarsaka-bodhi

a noble disciple (arakant)

2 Pacceka-bodhi

an Independently Enlightened One (private Buddha)

3 Samma-sambodhi

a perfectly Enlightened One (Buddha)

Of the three, the last one is higher than others because of the different status of fulfilment of perfection (pirami). Whoever wishes to become a Buddha, needs to fulfil ten kinds of perfections. Fulfilling the perfections. for the other two enlightenments are not as difficult as that for Buddhahood. The period of time to fulfil the ten perfections is also shorter. For the Bodhisatta (Buddha-to-be), it will take him at least four aeons and one hundred thousand world-cycles to fulfil the perfections

THE TEN PERFECTIONS (PARAMIS)

1 Dana

2 Sila (Generosity)

3 Nekkhamma

4 Paññ

Morality

Renunciation

Wisdom

Effort

5 Viriya

6 Khunti

7 Sacol

Patience

Truth

8 Additthana

9 Mettil

Determination

10 Upekkha

Loving-kindness

Equanimity

Of the ten, Dana Parami is the easiest one to be done. That is why the Buddha put it first in order. However, to fufil Dana Parami of Bodhisattas, Buddha to be, is not an easy task because Bodhisattas have to do great sacrifices for the sake of all beings to be a Buddha. Therefore, we should thank them and appreciate their compassion.

Give thanks to them, for what has been given to you, however ime One who is displeased with gilts cannor attain happiness and peace

Fulfilment of perfection of Bodhisattas

Buddhists commonly use the word, Parami. Parami literally means perfection. These qualities are developed and brought up to maturity by the Bodhisattas, or Buddhas to be, in their past existences. The different ways of fulfilling perfections by Bodhisattas are illustrated in many Jataka stories.

Their performance for the welfare of beings are excellent and admirable. They can do so many extraordinary things for the sake of all beings while others cannot. However, whenever they do something for other beings, Bodhisattas carefully examine whether the actions will be beneficial for others or not. If the action is not beneficial, they won’t do it. If the action is beneficial for others, and even if it will get them into trouble, they will still do it out of great compassion (mahakaruna), For

example, Bodhisatta King Sivi donated his eyes to an old brahman, though he knew he would be blind after this act. If the action is not beneficial for others and there is a possibility that they will be born in hell because of it, they will never carry out that action. To understand clearly how Bodhisattas fulfil their perfections, here is a Jätaka story (No. 538) to illustrate renunciation (Nekkhamıma Parama).