The second chapter of the Lotus Sutra is called “Expedient Devices.” The Sanskrit term upaya is often translated in English as “skillful means.” Skillful means are the various skillful ways we can use to fulfill our intentions and manifest our practice. This chapter is the real beginning of the Lotus Sutra in that it serves as the foundation for the entire Sutra. If we can understand the foundational teaching of skillful means we will be able to grasp the whole of the Sutra.