The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c9.3

c9.3

The earlier and alternative form *pārami* also points to the derivation from *parama*. The suffix *-tā* was probably added to it on the analogy of the abstract substantives ending in *-tā*. It has been suggested that a compound like *dāna-pāramitā* may be explained as “the quality or condition of a person, who is a *dāna-pārami*, i.e. who possesses the *pārami* or highest point of *dāna* or charity.” In this case, the suffix *-tā* would be added to a *bahu-vrihi* compound (*dānasya pāramir yasya*). But the two words in such a compound as *dāna-pāramitā* seem to stand in direct apposition, and it is better to construe thus : *dānam eva* *pāramitā dāna-pāramitā*. The virtue of charity is itself the Perfection.