“Paramita practice is based on human decency, and how to be in the world and help others who are suffering…. Paramita practice is the essence of how to be a bodhisattva. A bodhisattva is someone who is brave, and utterly and thoroughly involved in the discipline taught by the Buddha. Bodhisattvas are ideally soaked in the water of helping others in every way.” — Chögyam Trungpa

The bodhisattva is the prime example of compassion in action. Bodhisattvas act in the world as compassion warriors and activators of awakening. They embody wisdom, compassion, and courage in their commitment to full engagement in the world with all its suffering and difficulties.  In the mahayana we emulate their example and aspire to develop those same qualities ourselves.

How do we do so?  By practicing the paramitas. Paramita means “going beyond” or “arriving at the other shore.” It means crossing beyond pettiness and self-concern to greater openness, freedom, and love.