Thesis Awarded 2023

An Analytical Study of Upayakausalya (Skillful Means) with Special Reference to Saddharmapundarikasutra

  • Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
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Thesis details

Submitted by
Nguyen Thi Kim Anh (BhikkhuniPannaloka)
University
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
E-mail
hodpali2006@gmail.com
Supervisor
Ms. Pranali Prakash Waingankar
Year of award
2023
Awards
M.A. Buddhist Studies

Summary of Thesis

This thesis explores the concept of Upāyakauśalya, commonly known as skillful means, with a specific focus on its significance within the teachings of Mahāyāna Buddhism, particularly in relation to the Sadharmapuṇḍarīkasūtra. As one of the prominent Mahāyāna sutras, the Sadharmapuṇḍarīkasūtraoffers valuable insights into the application of skillful means within Buddhist philosophy.

The research presented in this thesis investigates the role of upāyakauśalya in the teachings of the Buddha, with a particular emphasis on its manifestation within Mahāyāna Buddhism. Comparisons are made between the skillful means employed in the Sadharmapuṇḍarīkasūtra and other significantMahāyāna sutras, including the Vimalakīrtinirdeśasūtra, Madhyamakaśāstra, andVajracchedikāprajñāpāramitā. Additionally, a comparative analysis is conducted between the skillful means found in these Mahāyāna sutras and in the Pāli Canon.

Furthermore, this study delves into the ethical dimensions of skillful means, exploring the parables used in the Sadharmapuṇḍarīkasūtra, such as the burning house, lost son, treasure in the garment, and phantom city. These parables are analyzed to discern the ethical implications and moral teachings conveyed through the application of skillful means.


Thesis chapter scheme

<p><strong>Chapter 1: Introduction</strong></p><p>1.    Background of <em>Saddharmapuṇḍarikasutra</em></p><p>2.    Rationale of Research and Its Importance</p><p>3.    Objectives of Research</p><p>4.    Nature and Scope of Research</p><p>5.    Research Methodology and Steps in Research</p><p>6.    Literature Review</p><p><strong>Chapter 2: An Overview of <em>Upayakausalya</em> (Skillful Means)</strong></p><p>2.1 Analysis of The Meaning of The Term <em>Upayakauśalya</em></p><p>2.2 Classification of Skills and Their Meanings</p><p>2.3 Early and Later Usage of Skilful Means</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Chapter 3: The Usage of Upayakausalya Through Parables</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong> </strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">3.1 Burning House and Medicinal Herbs</p><p class="ql-align-justify">3.2 Lost Son and Treasure in Garment and Phantom City</p><p class="ql-align-justify">3.3 A Skilled Physician </p><p class="ql-align-justify">3.4 Deception Leading to The Truth as a Skillful Means</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Chapter 4: The Various Aspects of <em>Upayakausalya</em> in The Mahayana<em>Sutras</em></strong></p><p>4.1 Skilful Means and Compassion (<em>Karuṇa</em>)</p><p>4.2 Skilful Means and Wisdom (<em>Prajna</em>)</p><p>4.3 Skilful Means and Emptiness (Su<em>nyata</em>)</p><p>4.4 Skilful Means and Six Perfections <em>(Paramitas</em>)</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Chapter 5: Conclusion</strong></p>

How to Cite This Thesis

Nguyen Thi Kim Anh (BhikkhuniPannaloka) (2023); An Analytical Study of Upayakausalya (Skillful Means) with Special Reference to Saddharmapundarikasutra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, International Journal of Advanced Research (IJAR), ISSN 2320-5407.

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