In Buddhism

Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

Upāyajñāna (उपायज्ञान) (Cf. Upāyakauśalya) refers to “knowledge of skillful means”, according to Mahāprajñāpāramitāśāstra (chapter 9).—Accordingly, “The bodhisattvaniyāma (‘position of Bodhisattva’) is the conviction that dharmas do not arise. Having obtained this conviction in regard to dharmas, the Bodhisattva considers the whole world as empty and his mind has no longer any further attachment. Settled on the true nature of dharmas, the bodhisattva no longer loves the world. [...] Furthermore, there is bodhisattvaniyāma when the Bodhisattva, fully endowed with the six perfections, produces the knowledge of skillful means (upāyajñāna), but without becoming fixated on the true nature of dharmas. He knows it personally and attests it personally without depending on the words of another. If Māra in the form of a Buddha comes to him, his mind is not disturbed at all. [...]”.

Source: academia.edu: A Study and Translation of the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā

Upāyajñāna (उपायज्ञान) refers to the “knowledge of expedient means”, according to the Gaganagañjaparipṛcchā: the eighth chapter of the Mahāsaṃnipāta (a collection of Mahāyāna Buddhist Sūtras).—Accordingly, “When this had been said, the Lord said to the Bodhisattva, the great being Gaganagañja: ‘[...] Son of good family, [the Bodhisattva] who gives a gift in such a way, completely gives up the vices of all living beings by insight and knowledge, but he does not abandon any living being by the knowledge of expedient means (upāyajñāna). In a such a way, son of good family, the generosity of a Bodhisattva with a mind set on giving up becomes like the expanse of the sky’”.

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: Jnana, Upaya.

Full-text: Kanksha, Upayakaushalya, Upayakaushala.

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Search found 3 books and stories containing Upayajnana, Upāyajñāna, Upāya-jñāna, Upaya-jnana; (plurals include: Upayajnanas, Upāyajñānas, jñānas, jnanas). 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)

II. Becoming established on the irreversible ground < [X. Surpassing the lower vehicles and acceding to the irreversible ground]

2. By practicing just one virtue < [Part 5 - Ways of acquiring Prajñāpmaramitā]

I. Position of Bodhisattva (bodhisattvaniyāma) < [IX. Entering into the assurance of Bodhisattva]

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A History of Indian Philosophy Volume 3 (by Surendranath Dasgupta)

Part 5 - Philosophy of the Ahirbudhnya-saṃhitā < [Chapter XVI - The Pañcarātra]

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A Dictionary Of Chinese Buddhist Terms (by William Edward Soothill)

Part 4 - Four Strokes

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