xi, 209 pages ; 24 cm; The initial teaching of skilful means in the Lotus Sutra -- Stories about skilful means in the Lotus Sutra -- Mythology and skilful means in the Lotus Sutra -- Skilful means in the perfection of insight literature -- Skilful means in pre-Mahayana Buddhism -- The term Hōben in modern Japanese.; "'Skilful means' in 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 1978, the book remains the best explanation of this dynamic philosophy, which is essential for any complete understanding of Buddhism."--Jacket.; 

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