（1） A method， a means， a device for saving sentient beings; "expedient means" （upa^ya）. "Excellent method for converting beings" （upa^ya-kau/salya）. The wisdom of being able to save sentient beings by knowing discriminated phenomena. A temporary teaching established in order to lead sentient beings to the true teaching. This is a subject of primary importance in the Lotus Sutra. （2） The seventh of the 'Ten Perfections.' （3） A plan， scheme， design （a^rambha）. （4） Usage of metaphor in teaching. （5） Chinese Buddhists utilized the doctrine of expedient means to help deal with the hermeneutical problem of reconciling the disparities among the different teachings attributed to the Buddha-to explain that the differences in the teachings of the Buddha delivered in his forty-nine year ministry were were the result of the different audiences he addressed.