Tag Archives: skillful means

Towards a Psychology of the Māras, Part II

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Vajragoni

Māras in the Sutrayana  Lotus Sutra  The Lotus Sutra’s interpretation of Māra is similar to his portrayal in the Pali Canon. He is an evil deva who occupies a prominent place in the Cosmos and who seeks to wreck-havoc on … Continue reading →

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The Hidden Elixir That Heals All Woes

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Vajragoni

Chapters 13-21 addresses the spiritual careers of bodhisattvas accompanied with prescriptions for right conduct and proper ways in which to reverence the Lotus Sutra. Chapter 16 is unique on its own since it focuses on the vast spiritual career of … Continue reading →

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The pettiness of it all

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Vajragoni

The Buddha addressed the monks, saying: “Once upon a time, immeasurable, limitless, inconceivable, incalculable kalpas ago, there was a Buddha called Mahābhijnājnānābhibhū Tathāgata, an Arhat, Completely Enlightened, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Departed, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed, Tamer of … Continue reading →

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A Fiery Situation

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Vajragoni

Chapter 3 includes perhaps the most famous of all Buddhist Parables, The Burning House: Then the Buddha said to Śāriputra: “Did I not previously tell you that all the Buddha Bhagavats explain the Dharma with various explanations and illustrations using skillful … Continue reading →

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The One Vehicle

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Vajragoni

The Buddha addressed Śāriputra, saying: “The Buddha Tathāgatas lead and inspire only bodhisattvas. All the acts of a buddha are always for one purpose. The buddhas manifest their wisdom and insight solely to inspire sentient beings to enlightenment. “O Śāriputra! A … Continue reading →

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Expedient Revelations

Posted on February 26, 2014 by Vajragoni

“O Śāriputra! After attaining buddhahood I expounded the teaching extensively with various explanations and illustrations, and with skillful means (upāya) led sentient beings to rid themselves of their attachments. Why is this? Because all the Tathāgatas have attained perfect mastery of … Continue reading →

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