[One Thousand Characters a Day] The Lotus Sutra for Humanities Readers <4> - Expedient Means and Truth

Editor's NoteThe apparent protagonist of the Saddharma Pu??ar?ka S?tra (Lotus Sutra) is undoubtedly the Buddha. However, in terms of content, all the teachings in this scripture are actually for sentient beings. The Buddha conveyed these teachings in various ways tailored to the level of the listeners. Such teachings adapted to the circumstances of sentient beings are called 'upaya' (skillful means), and the ultimate message conveyed through these upayas is the 'truth.' Like other Buddhist scriptures, the Lotus Sutra especially reveals the truth through the dual play of upaya and truth. As the author expresses, these two keywords 'integrate all Buddhist teachings.' Just as the appearance of the moon from Earth changes daily but the real moon is always round, the one truth pointed to by the various upayas of Buddhism is only one: to eliminate afflictions, develop wisdom, and attain ultimate freedom and happiness. Word count: 772 characters.

The wisdom of the Buddha is profound, and his disciples do not fully understand it. Meanwhile, the Buddha skillfully employed various upayas to guide sentient beings. Thus, the first part of the 'Chapter on Skillful Means' presents the Buddha's wisdom and the upayas that reveal it. This is an important theme in the first half.

Here, upaya is a translation of the Sanskrit word 'up?ya.' We usually use the word 'skillful means' in contexts like means of livelihood or temporary measures, mainly implying a method or means. However, 'up?ya' means not only a means to achieve a goal but also the process of reaching the destination.

It is important to view upaya not simply as a means but as a process. If upaya is seen only as a means to an end, it is something to be discarded once the goal is achieved, which can make life feel quite barren. However, if upaya is seen as a process, the present self is a continuation of the process one has lived through, making each day precious. The upaya mentioned in the Lotus Sutra carries both meanings, but its distinctive feature is emphasizing that the process is as valuable as the means.

Next, the scripture describes the Buddha's state as "only the Buddha can know the true nature of all dharmas." The true nature of all dharmas was explained earlier: all phenomena possess both the unique dependent origination process and ultimately equal aspects simultaneously. The dharmas themselves are the manifestation of truth, and only the Buddha can know all this impartially and as it is.

- Ha Young-su, Lotus Sutra for Humanities Readers, Bulkwang Publishing, 16,000 KRW