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

Some topics in this essay:
Lotus Sutra, Buddha Buddha, Sutra Pye, Buddhas Watson, Dharma Buddha, Buddhism Upaya, Asia Besides, skilful means, lotus sutra, CE Kucha, father buddha, understand message, word upaya, Buddhism Kumarajiva’s, , enlightenment skilful means, meaning word, people understand, eternal buddha, reason buddha, cycle samsara, followers understand message, buddha skilful means,