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The Six Paramitas
Each person has a pouch containing six pebbles to practice pebble meditation—a mindfulness method using the breath and pebbles, suitable for both children and adults. Before sitting, each person reflects and chooses three “names” (which can be people, objects, or concepts) that bring happiness and peace. When the bell sounds, bow to the six pebbles, then, one by one, pick up a pebble and place it in the palm of your hand. Breathing in, recite “Dear [Name],” breathing out, recite “I am here.” With each pebble, practice three breaths, a total of 18 breaths, before moving the pebble to the right hand.
Today, the six pebbles are named after the six paramitas, each pebble like a boat carrying us from the shore of suffering to the shore of peace:
- dāna (generosity – giving)
- prajñā (understanding – wisdom)
- śīla (moral conduct – mindfulness trainings)
- dhyāna (concentration – meditation)
- kṣānti (patience – inclusiveness)
- vīrya (diligence – energy)