The six paramitas are virtues or "perfections" that practitioners seek to practice as part of Mahayana Buddhism. "Paramita" literally means "that which has reached the other shore" or "gone to the other shore." Variously  translated, the paramitas include generosity, discipline or vigilant introspection, patience, diligence or joyful exertion, one-pointed attention or meditation, and wisdom. These virtues invite us to go beyond our self-importance and self-involvement, beyond fears and attachments, and beyond habitual ways of thinking and acting. I appreciate the image of the other shore, for it affirms that we need not remain stuck in old patterns of the ego and small self.