Eightfold+Path+and+Six+Paramitas

=**Title: Eightfold Path and Six Paramitas**=

**Status: NOT YET MODERATED**

Objective:

 * restate what's the relationship between 8fold path and the six paramitas
 * know how any of the six paramitas can enhance their lives

Materials:

 * Six Paramitas worksheet[[file:six_paramitas.pdf]]
 * Blank sheets
 * Home practice sheet[[file:homework.pdf]]

Preparation:

 * Make sufficient copies of the worksheets

Method:

 * 1) Opening Gassho
 * 2) Presentation: Eightfold Path & Six Paramitas
 * 3) Hand out Six Paramitas Form
 * 4) Ask what the Eighfold Paths are? Write on board (preferably in order)
 * 5) Ask what the Six Paramitas are? Write on board
 * 6) " 6 Paramitas (or 6 Perfections) is the "societal" version of 8 fold path (which are more personal). These are the "targets" that societies should achive.
 * Dana - Selfless giving. Basically, giving where you're not expecting anything back.
 * Sila - Morals/Ethics. Golden Rule. "don't do something you don't want done to you" or "Do what you would like to be done to you"
 * Ksanti - Perseverence. Keep at it. The turtle wins
 * Viriya - Energy/Effort. Put all of your effort into the task
 * Dhyana - Meditation. Think things thru from a quiet mind.
 * Prajna - Wisdom. Use your wisdom (knowledge) and your group's wisdom
 * 1) Point out how the eighfold paths relate.
 * 2) Form small groups, have them pick a Paramita, and have each group brainstorm ways to practice and reinforce the practice of the Paramita. Each group should have a coordinator (to get input from all) and a scribe (to write down notes) and a encourager. They should have 3 or 4 main actions that they can do.
 * 3) Have coordinator present the group's conclusions. (names of the people in the group & which Paramia they chose.)
 * 4) Explain Home practice sheet.
 * 5) Review and conclude.

Evaluation:

 * During review ask each student how does one of the paths relate to a paramita and what they can do/practice.

Note:
In stead of letting the small group choose a paramita, you can assign all the groups to work on Dana. In this case, summarize the group's proposed actions and have them select 3-4 key actions which can lead to a Dana Day project.

Author:
Mas Nishimura, nish221@gmail.com San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 2008 ||