“A human life is of limited duration, with limited capabilities. It is important to use one’s life to the best purpose. And there can be no higher purpose than to establish oneself in Dhamma, in the path which leads one out of defilements, out of the illusion of self, to the final goal of ultimate truth. Therefore no effort is more worthwhile for a human being than the exertion of all one’s faculties to take steps on this path.”

– S.N. Goenka

The Ten Parami

Practice of Giving
May I be generous and helpful

Morality
May I be well-disciplined and refined in manner
May I be pure and clean in my dealings
May my thoughts, words and deeds be pure

Renunciation
May I not be selfish and self-possessive but selfless and unattached
May I be able to sacrifice my pleasures for others

Wisdom
May I be wise and able to see things as they truly are
May I see the light of truth and lead others from darkness to light
May I be enlightened and be able to guide others to enlightenment

Effort
May I be energetic, vigorous and persevering
May I strive diligently until I achieve my goal
May I be fearless in facing dangers and courageously surmount all obstacles
May I be able to serve others to the best of my ability

Tolerance
May I ever be patient
May I be able to bear and forbear the wrongs of others
May I be tolerant and see the good in all

Truth
May I ever be truthful and honest
May I not hide the truth
May I never swerve from the path of truth

Strong Determination
May I be firm and resolute and have an iron will
May I be as soft as a flower and as firm as a rock
May I ever be high-principled

Loving-Kindness
May I be ever kind, friendly and compassionate
May I be able to regard all as my brothers and sisters and be one with all

Equanimity
May I be calm, serene, unruffled and peaceful
May I gain a balanced mind
May I observe whatever physical sensation that arises on the body with perfect equanimity