The Skill in Means (Upayakausalya) Sutra (English and Sanskrit Edition). Cet article n’est pas disponible.The Skill in Means (Upayakausalya) Sutra (English and Sanskrit Edition)

This rare sutra, ancient but timely, has long been treated with circumspection because of its liberal attitude toward sexuality and other ethical concerns. One of the original statements of the early Mahayana School, it is here collated from Chinese and Tibetan translations, and from pages that remain in the original Sanskrit. Originally part of a larger sutra on the six perfections that included the well-known perfection of Wisdom sutra, the Skill in Means sutra explicates the other five perfections of the bodhisattva. The translator has traced its source to verses of the Ratnagunasamcaya-gatha that have no counterpart in the Perfection of Wisdom. The Skill in Means is also found as part of the Ratnakuta collection of sutras, under the title "The Question of Jnanottara". In Part One, this Sutra establishes the liberal, even anti-monastic observance of Bodhisattva ethics, especially in matters of sexual involvement, introducing "skill in means" into the fabric of Buddhist ethical life. Parts Two and Three constitute a reinterpretation of the life of the Buddha, demonstrating his motivation by "skill in means"; this is a primary source for the Buddhology of the Mahayana. The older and newer versions are translated side by side; extant Sanskrit pages are included. An introduction places the text in historical and literary perspective. There are copious notes, indexes and a bibliography.

Mark Tatz is a scholar, translator, and professor specializing in Buddhist studies, particularly Tibetan and Sanskrit texts. He is best known for his English translations of important Mahayana and Tibetan works, making them accessible to modern readers.