Episode 90: The Prajna Paramita 1 of 2

09/03/24 • 7 min

[This episode originally aired on October 11, 2022] The sixth and final paramita is the prajna paramita • the sanskrit term “prajna” means supreme knowledge: the best of knowing, the best of cognitive mind • even though the Buddhist tradition is widely known for non-conceptual practices such as sitting meditation, there is also a great reverence and respect for learning and for knowledge at all levels • prajna is not just about knowing this or that; it is seeing without bias • prajna is fresh and on the spot; it is sharp, and it is direct • prajna is a way of seeing without any capturing or storing; it is the first thought, the first insight • it is what our perceptions can be when we're not trying to hold onto them or put them in our bag of experiences • prajna is often represented by a razor-sharp two-sided sword—one that cuts through duality altogether • by cutting through dualistic thinking, a much fresher and clearer way of knowing is liberated.

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Episode 89: The Paramita of Meditation

[This episode originally aired on October 4, 2022] The topic of meditation reminds me of the old saying, “all roads lead to Rome” • in the Buddhist tradition, all teachings seem to lead to meditation • sometimes we think of meditation as just stillness, but as one of the six paramitas, meditation is considered to be one of the skillful actions of a bodhisattva, essential for cultivating wisdom and compassion • meditation helps us to settle and to open; it helps us to hold our mind steady and not simply react impulsively when we are challenged by other people and the pressures of life • with meditation, you can hold steady and then respond appropriately—and then you can let go and move on • in meditation practice, we begin to see through some of our preconceptions, and we witness how easily we solidify our experiences • meditation draws us out of ourselves and turns us towards others; in doing so, the inspiration to work for the benefit of others arises.

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Episode 91: The Prajna Paramita 2 of 2

[This episode originally aired on October 18, 2022] In continuing our exploration of the prajna paramita, I'd like to focus on the inseparable trio of prajna (knowledge or wisdom), shunyata (emptiness), and compassion (karuna) • according to Trungpa Rinpoche, the freshness of prajna insight and the warmth of compassion are always connected • this challenges some common assumptions: that intelligence or sharpness of mind is harsh and aggressive; that compassion and love are fuzzy, soft, and weak; and that both compassion and sharpness of mind are solid and fixed • in the famous teaching called “The Heart Sutra,” the three main characters embody this inseparable trio • there is the Buddha, who is sitting in meditation; there is Avalokiteshvara, who is the embodiment of compassion; and there is Shariputra, who is the student asking questions • to embody and practice the prajna paramita, we need to empty ourselves of our preconceptions, and we also need to let go of our sense of attainment in having done so.