In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Upāyabala (उपायबल) refers to the “skillful means” (of the Buddha), according to  the 2nd century Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra chapter 1.—Accordingly: [...] But why was the Buddha born, if before birth he was already able to talk and walk, and afterwards he could not? This seems strange; but the single purpose of the Buddha is to use his power of skillful means (upāyabala): the Buddha manifests human behaviors and adopts the human positions so that beings will believe in his profound Dharma. If the Bodhisattva were able to walk and talk as soon as he was born, people would say: “This man that we see is extraordinary, he must be a god, a nāga or a demon. The doctrine which he professes is certainly not within our reach. [...]”.

context information

Mahayana (महायान, mahāyāna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sūtras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajñāpāramitā sūtras.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Bala, Upaya.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Upayabala, Upāyabala, Upāya-bala, Upaya-bala; (plurals include: Upayabalas, Upāyabalas, balas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra (by Gelongma Karma Migme Chödrön)

IV. Outstanding qualities of the Bodhisattva < [Part 3 - Outshining the knowledge of all the Śrāvakas and Pratyekabuddhas]

3. Characteristics and emptiness of self nature (svabhāvaśūnyatā) < [Part 4 - Understanding identical and multiple natures]

Chapter XX - (2nd series): Setting out on the Mahāyāna

+ 9 more chapters / show preview