The Six Perfections … are considered to be the fundamental practices of Mahayana Buddhism, the Great Vehicle, and are the Way of Bodhisattva Practice. Their Sanskrit name, Paramita, really means, “reaching the other shore.” In other words, these are six methods for attaining the goal of Buddhahood.

1. The Perfection of Generosity (dana-paramita, “giving”). It has two meanings: giving material goods and giving spiritual teachings. The Perfection of Generosity is the purest manifestation of devoted service for others. This Perfection is placed at the head of all others for it summarizes the whole spirit of the Great Vehicle.
2. The Perfection of Morality (sila-paramita, following the ethical precepts). There are five moral precepts in Buddhism, which are considered to be aspirations, not commandments: (1) not to take life, (2) not to steal, (3) not to indulge in unlawful sexuality, (4) not to lie, and (5) not to become intoxicated by drink or drugs.
3. The Perfection of Patience (ksanti-paramita). When a Bodhisattva practices the Six Perfections, he is sure to encounter obstacles and opposition from other people. The Bodhisattva must remain patient in adversity. It takes courage sometimes to exercise self-control, not become angry, and not strike back with a blow for a blow.
4. The Perfection of Vigor (virya-paramita, “endeavor”). Putting forth one’s best effort. The final aim of the Perfection of Endeavor is to attain Buddhahood. We must approach every task with vigor and enthusiasm, and so improve our lives and the lives of those around us. No detail is too small not to require our best effort. The one great task of achieving Buddhahood requires the fulfilling of a thousand small tasks every day.
5. The Perfection of Concentration (dhyana-paramita, meditation). Dhyana is called Zen in Japanese. It is sometimes translated as “Meditation,” but in Buddhism there are various types of meditation, depending on what the one who meditates hopes to achieve. Here it means one-pointed concentration, not only of the mind but also of the heart. Any practice which helps us gain unity of mind and heart is dhyana.
6. The Perfection of Wisdom (prajna-paramita). The last of the Six Perfections is Prajna. It is the cornerstone of all the Perfections, for without Wisdom none of the others fit together. Without wisdom, none would be “perfections.” Wisdom is not the same as simple knowledge or understanding. When the Buddha recognizes the truth (the Dharma), that is wisdom. In wisdom, the Buddha’s person and the universal law (Dharma) are one. The state in which subjective character and objective truth merge into one is true wisdom.