Dasabhumika Sutra (translation and study)
by Hwa Seon Yoon | 1999 | 93,384 words
This is a study and translation of the Dasabhumika Sutra (“Ten Stages Discourse�)—a significant Buddhist text. It examines the distinction between Theravada (Hinayana) and Mahayana Buddhism, focusing on the divergence in their spiritual ideals: Arhatship in Theravada and the Bodhisattva ideal in Mahayana. The thesis further traces the development o...
Part 2.4 - Upaya Paramita (the perfection of Skillfulness)
The literal meaning of the Upaya is 'means, ways, method, scheme, effort of development,' etc. It is also called Upayakausalya Paramita which may be explained as 'skillfulness or wisdom in the choice and adoption of the means or expedients for converting others or helping them.' This is the most important of the four supplementary Paramitas. Upaya is from 'upa+a+i,' meaning perhaps to bring closer and in an The Sanskrit Upaya extended meaning connoting leading, guiding etc. Kausalya has its Pali parallel in Upaya-kosalla. The term is used in the Digha Nikaya, Jataka, Nettipakarana, Suttanipata Atthakatha, etc. The Navasutta of the Suttanipata uses the phrases upayanna-kusalo
162 referring to a person expert and skilled. In spite of such references it is clear that the Pali tradition does not raise this quality to the level of a Paramita. Yet the Canonical and Post-canonical literature abound in instances that display the Buddha's skillfulness in means. His epithet Purisadammasarathi, which is one of the nine Buddha-qualities, clearly denotes this skillfulness in means. His conversion of Saccaka, the Jatilas, the three Kasyapa brothers, the cleverness the Buddha displayed in leading Nanda away from his attachment to Janapadakalyani, in pacifying Patacara, Kisagotami and leading them on the proper path all demonstrate the Buddha's upayakosalla. The Angulimala episode is a good example for this. Not only humans but inhumans such as Alavaka and animals such as Nalagiri were tamed by the Buddha through his upaya-kosalla. This is an ability that was not shared by the Paccekabuddhas or the Savakas. Only the Buddha had this special expertise. Hence, the inevitable conclusion is that this is a quality that a Buddha-bodhisattva or Mahasatta specially nurtures and brings into perfection. Yet, in Theravada, Upaya-kosalla is not grouped under Paramita. Really it is with the rise in importance of altruism, which is a characteristic feature of Mahayana, that this ability was raised to the level of a Paramita. In fact, it is a feature that makes Bodhisattva career distinct from that of a Savaka.