IMPRESSIVE SIMILES OF THE SKILLFUL MEANS IN THE LOTUS SŪTRA: A SIMILE OF THE MAGIC CITY

Abstract

This paper elucidates upon the particulars of meaning and signifi cances of the skillful means in The Lotus Sūtra. The Buddha uses similes and parables as one of the most powerful methods of his teaching. The character and the nature of the similes that have already been studied is that they help the majority of the people understand the Dharma easily. This article, therefore, attempts to dig deeper into those similes in The Lotus Sūtra. The simile of the Magic City is the fi rst and most impressive one to be deemed, herein. The skillful means taught in this simile is a parable about group of people seeking a great treasure who are tired of their journey and wish to quit. Their guide creates a magical phantom city for them to rest in and then makes it disappear. The Buddha explains that the magic city represents the small vehicle Nirvana and the treasure is Buddhahood.