Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

oneself, but very, very difficult indeed to do is that
which is beneficial and good." (163).
The doing of good necessarily involves the performance
of the first two paramitas. First, with the perfection of
giving we should consider deeply that the giver, the gift,
and the act of giving are all void. If concentration on
sunyata accompanies the giving and receiving, then a
great result is achieved, whereas ordinary giving reaps
only small fruit. (See Ch. X).
Second, the perfection of morality must also go along
with wisdom gained through meditation, if it is to be
fruitful. There is not a great result from merely
observing strict rules, but discipline guided by
meditative wisdom can be very beneficial.
Although it is difficult, if we would truly do good in our
lives, then meditation is indispensable. Without
meditation the mind, and so all our actions, are tainted
by the basic error: ignorance.
"A worse taint than these is ignorance, the greatest taint.
Abandoning this taint, be taintless, O bhikkhus!" (Dhp.
243). This can only be achieved through meditation.
The Buddha has said exactly what is necessary for
progress: "Indeed from meditation wisdom arises;
without meditation wisdom wanes." (Dhp. 372) Finally,
Lord Buddha has said:
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