Dharma Rain - Dharma School Manual

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Our Five Main Dharmic Themes

Theme #3: Paramitas

The Paramitas are a classical Buddhist way of describing the most important of human virtues. We generally use the six paramitas, or perfections (there is also a list of ten): generosity (Dana); ethical behavior (Sila), patience (Kshanti), effort (Virya), concentration (Dhyana) and wisdom (Prajna). Dharma school teachers center a class around a paramita, and find creative ways — stories, discussions, projects and activities — to make the paramita accessible to kids of different ages and developmental levels.

An excellent source of information about the paramitas is the book The Practice of Perfection by Robert Aitken. Perhaps the most effective way to introduce the six Paramitas here is to offer the lyrics of one of our favorite dharma school songs (lyrics and musical are by Nathaniel Paramita Needle):

Chorus: Why don’t you try a little paramita
There’s nothin’ sweeter than a little paramita
I know ya wanna git to that other shore
But don’t think about it, just paddle your oar...
Paddle your oar, paddle your oar.

Now the first paramita is Dana
It means give it away even when you don’t wanna
Don’t allow attachments to shrink your space
Just spill your being all over the place
That’s Dana paramita for sure (Chorus)

Now the second paramita is Sila
In life’s situations be a lover and a healer
Tell the truth and be everyone’s amigo
Just as if you didn’t have an ego
That’s Sila paramita for sure (Chorus)

Now the third paramita is Kshanti
Without it your inferno will be worthy of Dante
Like the sun which shines on the mountain every day
Just enjoy the shining ‘till the mountain melts away
That’s Kshanti paramita for sure (Chorus)

Now the fourth paramita is Virya
The exertion of a falling leaf can steer ya
Every breath, every step that’s taken
Is an opportunity to awaken
That’s Virya paramita for sure (Chorus)

Now the fifth paramita is Dhyana
Face that wall and shout out “Hana!”
Stick with your practice, keep your concentration tauter
And let those thoughts flow through you like water
That’s Dhyana paramita for sure. (Chorus)

Now the sixth paramita is Prajna
If you think you’re wise, you’re full of bologna
But when you experience “I DON’T KNOW”
Then natural wisdom is everywhere you go
That’s Prajna paramita for sure. (Chorus)

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