The Sixth Paramita: Wisdom

The sixth and last paramita is wisdom, or prajna. The Sanskrit prajna is translated into Chinese as zhihui, often translated into English as wisdom. Hui, the second character, refers to having sharp roots with a very clear mind. Zhi, the first character, refers to using this clear mind to handle situations appropriately. One can say that hui is the essence and zhi is the function. There is another character for prajna in Chinese, which means brightness, being absolutely transparent and at ease without obstruction. Another meaning for prajna is the quality of being very acute, perceptive, and flexible.

I will discuss prajna in the context of the practice methods towards enlightenment for an arhat or a bodhisattva. These methods include the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Noble Path, the Six Paramitas, and the triple studies of precepts, samadhi, and wisdom.