Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

ut we do not say that they have to pass through all of
them before getting to the Vajrayana. Remember, we
are only taking teachings of cause and course which will
be useful for leading us into the full attainment of
Buddhahood, so as these stages have not yet been
realized, we cannot describe them as methods useful for
practice. But in the Vajrayana it is admitted that
providing a man has developed the bodhicitta of the first
stage, still he may go on to the Diamond Vehicle and
practice there. The attainment of the first stage is a
matter of great difficulty requiring persistent effort
through one aeon, so one intending on Full
Enlightenment should not be discouraged but, without
waiting so long, should press on with the methods
offered by the Vajrayana.
G. Why Are the Ten Stages So Named?
1. Paramudita (Great Joy). After arrival at this stage, the
new bodhisattva will gain a practical knowledge of the
deep meaning of sunyata which he had never
experienced before. As a result he will obtain great
ecstasy—hence the name of this stage.
2. Vimala (Purity). When the bodhisattva comes to this
stage he renounces impurity, because even the finest
faults cannot be committed after his experience of the
force of sunyata. Thus he is free from defilement as the
name suggests.
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