Skillful means/upaya

The idea of "skillful means" plays a central role in much Buddhist dharma. We'll consider one of its most famous early examples and why one scholar considered it a "paternalistic" concept. We'll also look at its role in reinterpreting the…

"Skillful means" is a key concept in Mahayana Buddhist dharma. Scholar Damien Keown has identified four phases in its development, taking us from early Buddhism towards more controversial claims about practice, including deception and…

What is "skillful means" in Buddhism, particularly in early Buddhism? We'll look at its usage in the early texts, in particular in one odd text where it seems the Buddha recommends a practice of sense desire, and then turn to its more…