Tag: Skillful Means (Upaya)

• The Illusory Oasis: An Analysis of the Parable of the Magic City in the Lotus Sutra

  

  The Lotus Sutra, a cornerstone of Mahayana Buddhism, holds a prominent position in East Asian Buddhist traditions.1 Revered as the final and complete teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha by many, it presents profound concepts such as the One Vehicle (Ekayana) and skillful means (Upaya).1 These doctrines underscore the Mahayana understanding that all Buddhist paths ultimately converge…

  William Altig

  May 10, 2025

  Chapter 7, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  Buddhahood, Buddhist Symbolism, Buddhist teachings, Chapter Seven Lotus Sutra, Conjured City Parable, Lotus Sutra, Magic City Parable, Mahayana Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism, Nirvana, One Vehicle (Ekayana), Phantom City Parable, Skillful Means (Upaya), Tiantai School, Zen Buddhism

• The Buddha’s Proclamation in the Lotus Sutra: An Analysis of Chapter Five

  

  I. Introduction The Lotus Sutra, a foundational text within Mahayana Buddhism, holds a position of paramount importance for its comprehensive revelation of the Buddha’s ultimate teachings. Esteemed across various Buddhist traditions, particularly in East Asia, the Lotus Sutra articulates the profound principle of universal Buddhahood and the compassionate strategies employed by the Buddha to guide…

  William Altig

  April 1, 2025

  Chapter 5

  Buddha’s Proclamation, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist teachings, Chapter Five, Cravings, Desire for Enlightenment, Destroyer of the Bonds of Existence, Enlightenment, King of the Dharma, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Nirvana, One Vehicle (Ekayana), Parable of the Medicinal Herbs, Samsara, Scholarly Interpretations, Skillful Means (Upaya), Universal Buddhahood, Varied Expounding of the Dharma

• Chapter 2–Upaya, Skillful Means, or Unveiling the Jewel

  

  “For countless eons, I’ve sought the way, A course profound, difficult to convey. On Enlightenment’s terrace, I’ve found the key, The fruit of my quest, for all to see.”

  William Altig

  October 29, 2023

  Chapter 2, The Great Teachings of the Lotus of the True Law

  AncientWisdom, ArtAndCulture, Bodhisattvas, Buddha’s Teachings, Buddha’s Wisdom, Buddha-nature, Buddhism, Compassionate Guidance, Cosmic Buddha, Discourse and Dialogue, Enlightenment, Experiential Understanding, Incomprehensible Truths, Ineffable Truths, Liberation of Beings, Limitations of Intellectual Grasping, Lotus Sutra, Mahayana Buddhism, Meditation, Metaphorical Imagery, Mindfulness, Ocean of Wisdom, Path to Freedom, PersonalGrowth, Philosophy, Profound Understanding, Skillful Means (Upaya), Spiritual Aspirants, Spiritual Journey, Spirituality, Storytelling, Tathagata, Threefold Path, Universal Laws, Unparalleled Qualities