Upaya

Different translators have translated the word upaya in a wide variety of ways. The most extensively used translation is by Kumarajiva. He was born in 344 C.E. at Kucha and spent most of life in Central Asia. Besides translating Buddhist texts, Kumarajiva is a key player in the creation and understanding of Mahayana Buddhism. Though, Kumarajiva’s translation of the Lotus Sutra is considered to be one of the best in the world, scholars have discovered that his translation of the word upaya does not fit the exact meaning of the word. Nonetheless, his translation did not have a strong impact on the understanding of the essential teachings brought forth in the Lotus Sutra (Pye, 38).

Upaya otherwise known as skilful means is an essential component of Buddhism. The word was first used by Buddha to explain the Dharma to the people. Buddha used skilful means as a teaching tool because he un

Throughout the Lotus Sutra, parables and similes are used by the Buddha to help his followers to understand his message. One parable that the Buddha uses to justify his use of skilful means is the story of the rich man and the burning filled with the children. In this story the house of the wealthy man catches on fire. The man realizes the dangers that the fire poses to his family. Meanwhile, his children continue to play their games because they do not see the fire and cannot sense the danger. The man must act fast to save his children. Though he is strong he cannot carry all of his children out through the very small gate. Thus, he decides the only way to save them is through the promise of gifts. Once the children are outside they demand their presents. Since the father is very rich he is able to give them each the gift that he promised (Watson, 34-36).

The Buddha explains that this parable is used to tell his followers that they must understand the message of the Dharma because soon he will pass away. However, he goes to explain though his body may die, the Buddha will always be part of the world. The only reason why people cannot see him is because of the confusion that exists in their minds. While humans cannot see Buddha, the Buddha sees the suffering of the people. The Buddha states that he only appears to certain people who yearn to see him (Watson, 105-108).

Another parable used by the Buddha to explain the idea of eternal Buddha is the story of the doctor and his poisoned children. While the doctor was out his children got the notion to take some poison. The poison had different affect on each of his children. When the doctor came home and realized that his children had tak

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