Abstract:
The objective of the research is 1) to study the Paññā Pāramī in Theravada Buddhism, 2) to study the Paññā Pāramī in Mahayana Buddhism and 3) to compare the Paññā Pāramī in Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. This is an qualitative research, focusing on studying and researching documents by surveying primary sources from the Tipitaka, Commentaries and scriptures both Theravada and Mahayana. This research also explores secondary information from academic texts and related documents. Then it is presented by analytical description.
The results of the research showed that;
Paññā Pāramī in the Theravada field meant enlightenment, awakening and realization. This was about Bodhisattava to perform meritorious act for enlightenment and preaching to all creatures. For Mahayana, the word Paramitā philosophy meant the enlightenment in the personal Suñyatā and the Suñyatā Dharma. Both meant the wisdom of knowing the center of all things. Mahayana believed that our mind hided own enlightenment inside. When our mind comprehended the state of Suñyatā, there was no selfishness. Then compassion and generosity would appear to all creatures. It was called Absolutely Buddha. Having become a Buddha, He would point the way of liberation to all beings til the last day of his death (Nirvāna).
The results of the comparative study found that meaning of Paññā Pāramī in Theravada did not define only the Buddha but was available to disciples. For Mahayana, it defined only Bodhisattvas. The concept of Paññā Pāramī in Theravada mentioned to perform meritorious act for many lives. When it was completed, it would enlighten to become the Buddha. Mahayana also focused on performing meritorious act in the past lives. And it would practice until realized Suñyatā or Buddhahood.
For the characteristics of the Paññā Pāramī, both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism were similarity in generally, meaning aimed at Anattā and Suñyatā. Theravada focused on knowledge and intelligence individually. But Mahayana focused widely on knowledge which made enlightenment for guiding all beings. Paññā Pāramī was divided into 3 levels. Wisdom in Theravada Buddhism was for help all animals which was different from Mahayana Buddhism. Because of Theravada Buddhism firstly aimed to practice wisdom to reach the highest destination and then help creatures later. Mahayana would focus on practicing Paññā Pāramī for the benefit of the happiness to creatures.
For performance Paññā Pāramī, both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism were similarity. But it is said that the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism were higher more than Theravada Buddhism, especially non-adherent philosophy and Paramitā philosophy. The aim of perform Paññā Pāramī of both group were similarity. Both group performed Paññā Pāramī for Anuttarasammasambodhiñāna and help all creatures. But a kind of liberation was different. For Theravada, it was believed that our mind was clung with defilement and moved down and was unclean. It must be use Paññā Pāramī to control our mind till standing firm, steadfast and destroyed defilement and liberation at last. For Mahayana, it was believed that our mind hided Buddhahood insides. We should use Paññā Pāramī to destroy hindrances from our mind and enlightenment would appear. Our mind will be have non-hindrances. Supremes wisdom will appear. From then, we would preach all creatures to show the way of liberation from suffering.