Buddhist Refuge

Buddhist Refuge

1) Give a brief definition of the perfection of wisdom. (Tibetan track also give Tibetan

for "perfection of wisdom."):

The perfection of wisdom consists of harmony between a deep understanding of the nature of reality and a desire to help all others become infinitely happy. Spiritual progress depends upon a clear understanding of how things exist, an unassailable experiential understanding of the foundational nature of reality, combined with profound compassion for others as expressed in a desire to alleviate all others’ suffering. These two elements are indivisible and essential in order to arrive at a perfection of wisdom. A understanding of the nature of the world would be useless without a desire to help others. Our happiness is dependent upon the happiness of others. For example, as a parent, I can be happy only as long as my children are happy. When they suffer, how can I be happy? How can I possibly find any lasting happiness if my children are in pain? My happiness depends on them. And this can be extrapolated. Everyone is someone’s child. Happiness without compassion is selfish pleasure. It’s ignorant. It’s enjoying a banquet in the presence of someone who is starving to death. On the other hand, compassion for all is impotent without an understanding of the nature of the world. You can’t be of any help. How can you assist someone out of their pain if you have no pathway out? It’s empathy without power. It’s ‘Gee, that’s too bad, wish I could help.”

2) Name the three principal sutras on the perfection of wisdom, and explain why they

are called The Mother. When were they spoken? (Tibetan track also give Tibetan for the

three sutras, and for The Mother.)

There are three foundational sutras on the perfection of wisdom: The long, middle, and short sutras on Prajna Paramitra. They were spoken by the Buddha, over a course of 51 years, and are referred to as The Mother because they are the sutras that engender Buddha nature. The...