The tenth of 108 Gates 0f Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Tenth Gate: Mindfulness of Sangha

Mindfulness of Sangha is a gate of Dharma illumination;
for [with it] attainment of the truth is steadfast. (Nishijima/Cross)
Mindfulness of Sangha is a gate of realizing Dharma; it makes attaining the way sustained. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all beings
Realize the skill of mindfulness;
That with our brothers and sisters,
We can harmoniously reach the truth.

Reflection Prompts:
1. If you see yourself as not separate from others, how might this affect your practice?
2. In what way does Sangha guarantee attainment of the way?
3. Do you think there is a difference between steadfast truth and attainment of the way?

Capping Verse:
I can say nothing
As profound
As greeting a friend

gassho, Shokai
Stlah

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. If you see yourself as not separate from others, how might this affect your practice?
2. In what way does Sangha guarantee attainment of the way?
3. Do you think there is a difference between steadfast truth and attainment of the way?

1. This makes me more diligent in my practice, as I am not just doing it for myself but for all sentient beings. It makes you realize that practice is about more than just the “self”… as there is no such thing!

2. The Sangha helps to guarantee attainment by helping and supporting one another along the way. If one stumbles, a helping hand is there to steady, if one falls, many hands are there to help you back up. We walk the path alone, alongside our brothers and sisters.

3. No difference.

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today

[Tairin]

2. In what way does Sangha guarantee attainment of the way?

Early in my practice I greatly underestimated the value of Sangha. Maybe because Zen was new and I had a lot of enthusiasm I thought I could support my practice myself. Over the many years though I’ve had times where my practice has faltered. During those times just coming here to TreeLeaf has been able to help me along. It’s my hope that similarly I am able to support other members when they need a boost


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Shokai]