Upayakaushala, Upāyakauśala, Upaya-kaushala: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Upayakaushala means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
The Sanskrit term Upāyakauśala can be transliterated into English as Upayakausala or Upayakaushala, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).
In Buddhism
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita SastraUpāyakauśala (उपायकौशल) or Upāyakauśalya refers to “skillful means”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 49).—Accordingly, “[...] [In regard to the perfection of generosity], this skillful means [i.e., upāyakauśalya] is not to grasp (anupalambha) three things: [the donor (dāyaka), the thing given (deya) and the recipient (pratigrāhaka)]. [...] Not grasping that which does exist is to fall into the view of nihilism (uccheda). Not grasping that which does not exist is to put skillful means (upāyakauśala) to work and not falling into the view of nihilism. Without skillful means, the donor, [in his gift], clings to these three characteristics, [i.e., the giver, the gift and the receiver]. But if he has recourse in the emptiness of these three things, he grasps the absence of characteristics. He who possesses skillful means from the very beginning does not see the three characteristics of generosity. This is why using skillful means (upāyakauśala) is not to fall [into the extreme views] of existence and non-existence”.
Note: Upāyakauśalya is the dominant virtue of the seventh bhūmi.—(Cf. Upāyajñāna).
Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the GaganagañjaparipṛcchāUpāyakauśala (उपायकौशल) refers to “skillful means”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly: “This is the armour of Bodhisattvas: [...] (17) this is the armour of the Bodhisattvas’ fearlessness because they do not become afraid, frightened or fearful, even though they hear that all dharmas are like an illusion, a dream, a reflection, an echo, the moon reflected in water; (18) this is the armour of the Bodhisattvas’ great compassion because they never give up any being, even though they know all living beings are basically in complete extinction; (19) this is the armour of the Bodhisattvas’ skillful means (upāyakauśala) because they teach life, death, and birth, even though they hear that all dharmas are empty, without distinguishing marks, wishless, unconditioned, unborn, and unoriginated; [...]
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: Kaushala, Upaya.
Full-text: Upayakaushalya, Paramita.
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Search found 2 books and stories containing Upayakaushala, Upāyakauśala, Upāya-kauśala, Upaya-kaushala, Upayakausala, Upaya-kausala; (plurals include: Upayakaushalas, Upāyakauśalas, kauśalas, kaushalas, Upayakausalas, kausalas). 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)
Part 9 - Fulfilling the perfections skillfully < [Chapter XLIX - The Four Conditions]
Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study) (by Riddhi J. Shah)
Chapter 4.3d - Kṣepa (distraction) < [Chapter 4 - The Eight Yogadṛṣṭis and the nature of a Liberated Soul]