Skilful Means: A Concept in Mahayana Buddhism

"Skilful means" is the key principle of the great tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. First set out extensively in the Lotus Sutra, it originates in the Buddha's compassionate project for helping others to transcend the ceaseless round of birth and death. His strategies or interventions are "skilful means" - devices which lead into enlightenment and nirvana. Michael Pye's clear and engaging introductory guide presents the meaning of skilful means in the formative writings, traces its antecedents in the legends of early Buddhism and explores links both with the Theravada tradition and later Japanese Buddhism. First published in 1979, the book remains the best explanation of this dynamic philosophy, which is essential for any complete understanding of Buddhis.

Michael Pye is Professor of the Study of Religions at Marburg University.