How can I become a more open, compassionate, loving person to all?

That’s the question behind the ten transformative practices known as the paramitas. This collection of virtues was taught by the Buddha as a path to becoming an enlightened person. When we practice these virtues with intention, it brings both awareness and change.

Which is why, for the next ten months, I’m going to be practicing them. Each month, beginning in September, I’m going to do my best to be mindful about cultivating one of these virtues within myself, noticing and affirming where I see them around me, and sharing them with others as I’m able. And I’d love for you to join me.

The word “paramita” has two possible origins and meanings. Some say it comes from the word “parama” (excellent or supreme) and describes perfection or completeness when someone lives into them. This is the generally accepted definition, which is why they’re most commonly known as the ten perfections. (Some Buddhist traditions name only six, all of which are included in the list of ten.) Others divide the word into two parts, “para” (other side) and “mita” (shore), and say it means going to the other shore, or crossing beyond, where enlightenment awaits us. In either case, the paramitas are seen as a way we can practice living into, and expanding, our basic human goodness.

Lama Surya Das says cultivating these ten paramitas is “largely a matter of unlearning bad habits while raising our spiritual sights.” That’s because unlearning a bad habit is more than getting rid of something that’s holding us back. It’s also uncovering the light within us by removing whatever practices and choices might be covering it up. Once uncovered, we have a little more room to move around, and therefore can move more easily toward spiritual maturity. But by no means does that mean practicing the paramitas is just about personal growth.

In her book No Time To Lose, Pema Chodron says “the highest goal of all the paramitas is others’ good.” This is such an important thing to remember. When we cultivate these things, we receive the gift within ourselves, but that is never the whole point. The point is to be able to offer them to others and into the world. The point is to become the kind of person who, just by her presence, may entice others to cross over into a better version of themselves, too.

Practicing each of these virtues for one month is obviously not a comprehensive plan. It’s just the beginning of a whole life of practice. But it is a beginning. It’s one worthwhile way to bring these paramitas into our awareness, and, with any luck, into our lives.

So…here we go, Paramita Project! I hope you’ll join me, in whatever way you can, whether that means signing on for all ten months or just popping by and practicing as you’re able. This month, September, we’ll be practicing generosity. You’ll find the whole calendar below, for reference. I’ll post stories and reflections from my experience every Thursday, and will share my thoughts and musings with the hashtag #ParamitaProject on Twitter and Instagram. If you do plan to join, I’d love to know! Leave me a comment, and share what you’re learning as you go.

I hope to see you on the Paramita path!

The Paramita Project

September: Generosity

October: Morality

November: Renunciation

December: Wisdom

January: Energy

February: Patience

March: Truthfulness

April: Determination

May: Loving-kindness

June: Equanimity