One of Buddhism’s paths to awakening is called the “perfections,” or paramitas. These consist of ten guiding principles for creating a blessed life. These values guide you on a path that is personally and communally fulfilling. Most importantly, they are relevant to how you live each day of your life.
In this e-course, course leader Donald Altman broadens these Buddhist teachings to include wisdom from other wisdom traditions — since all the traditions embrace them. When he thinks of working with the ten enlightened principles, he is reminded of a favorite quote from Sufi mystic Inayat Khan, who said, "Freedom is not the path to freedom; discipline is the path to freedom."
When you sign up for this e-course, you receive 12 detailed emails, delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with practices, quotes, and inspirations. Each email focuses on practicing a guiding principle:
- Intro Week 1: Introduction to the ten perfections, or paramitas.
This background information will describe put this overall practice in a daily context.
- Perfection #1: Generosity
Tap altruism to feel the joy that comes from service and giving.
- Perfection #2: Effort
Nothing gets done without first energizing your spiritual lamp!
- Perfection #3: Patience
Open new pathways to patience, forgiveness and forbearance.
- Perfection #4: Ethics
Explore how discipline and precepts can purify daily actions.
- Perfection #5: Simplicity and Meditation
Use daily simplicity and contemplation to invite inner peace.
- Perfection #6: Wisdom
Learn how to awaken to your innate wisdom and intuition.
- Perfection #7: Truthfulness
Honor your deepest being by living your integrity and honesty.
- Perfection #8: Steadfastness
Strengthen resolve and commitments to what matters in your life.
- Perfection #9: Equanimity
Develop a steady and balanced perspective of daily life and others.
- Perfection #10: Loving-Kindness
Empower yourself and others with this life-changing blessing.
- Closure: Putting It All Together
We’ll explore how to continue working with these enlightened principles for a blessed life.
Donald Altman, profiled in our Living Spiritual Teachers project, is a psychotherapist, award-winning author, former Buddhist monk, and international mindfulness teacher and trainer. He is dedicated to bringing ancient spiritual practices, tools, and wisdom into modern living.
The ten perfections truly are a practical path for gaining greater freedom in your life — the freedom that comes from knowing how to live beneficially and inspire those around you by being the best person that you can be.
4 CEHs for chaplains available.
Available On-Demand
(choose your own start date and frequency)
$49.95