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1 Dana:
Generosity
Just as a pot full of water when
turned upside down lets all the liquid run out and takes none of
it back, so the perfection of generosity consists of not having
the slightest thought of remorse over what has been given away,
even if one sacrifices absolutely everything.
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2 Sila:
Morality
Just as a yak whose bushy tail is
caught somewhere doesn't tear it off violently but tries to
loosen it carefully and, even if that does not help, rather will
die than to tear it off, so the perfection of virtue consists in
being always careful about interconnections with the world and
in going without rather than getting one's own way by force. |
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3 Nekkhama:
Renunciation
Just as one imprisoned in jail
does not desire anything more intensely than to get out of
there, so the perfection of renunciation consists in the longing
to get out of the prison of becoming and of having only the wish
to get rid of all that is impermanent.
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4 Pañña:
Wisdom
Just as a monk on alms round
neglects no house but goes without exception to all families, so
the perfection of wisdom consists in leaving no gaps, leaving
nothing out, and of being prepared to learn from all wise people
and those more advanced, however young they may be.
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5 Viriya:
Energy
Just as lions marshal their
strength evenly in all their postures, so the perfection of
energy consists in maintaining the battle against one's own
drives in every situation and of proving oneself stronger than
they.
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6 Khanti:
Patience
Just as the great earth bears
even the most disgusting things, so the perfection of patience
consists in accepting slander and every dishonour without
resistance, enduring in letting them pass.
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7 Sacca:
Truthfulness
Just as a planet in spite of the
turning of the year never strays from its predetermined orbit,
so the perfection of truthfulness consists in not lying under
any circumstances and not moving away from the truth even an
inch because of any kind of advantage; even though one may be
threatened with death. |
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8 Adhitthana:
Determination
Just as a mountain stands
immobile and firm even in strong winds and it is impossible to
throw over in a storm, so the perfection of resolution consists
in remaining unshakable in one's wholesome determinations and
not be distracted by anything.
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9 Metta:
Loving Kindness
Just as rain refreshes both just
and unjust persons without discrimination, so the perfection of
love consists in including friends and foes alike and not making
distinctions in any way
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10 Upekkha:
Equanimity
Just as the great earth remains
unmoved, whether one throws pure or impure things onto it, so
the perfection of equanimity consists in accepting both
misfortunes or the greatest fortunes without repulsion or
attraction, but always evenly tranquil.
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