The ten Parami include the qualities of generosity, morality, renunciation, discernment, energy, patience, truthfulness, resolve, kindness, and equanimity, which are attributed to the ten qualities of the Buddha that helps him on the path of awakening. Together they form an incredible network of support for our practices and conducts in daily life and also integrate into Plum Village practices seamlessly. They are like the kung fu sheet that Thay Thich Nhat Hanh had proposed before for daily reflection. The more we recognize these qualities in ourselves, the more we are strengthened in ability to cross the turbulent and painful floods in chasing after sensual pleasures, attaching to a view or self, and the underlying ignorance of how and how much we are suffering. 

We are grateful for the practically written and highly accessible book of Ajahn Succito, Parami: Ways to Cross Life's Floods (free ebook or short overview) that helps us explore the ten Parami in profound details. I especially appreciate the way he understand how different floods affect our mind and heart in their pushing and pulling, dulling, thrashing, spinning and shifting energy. Understanding this process is so essential in the application of parami and the Four Noble Truths into our life. 

From the studying of these Parami, we have been inspired to further explore them through Interplay movement forms and see how these qualities already live in our bodies and experiences. They just need to be invited up. All the beautiful seeds are already there. Let their wisdom slowly unfold in ourselves.

If you are interested in participating our Parami-InterPlay book club in the fall/winter retreat season where we will study each Parami in depth, please email us at bodywisdomwave@gmail.com.