The Twelfth 0f 108 Gates pf Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Twelfth Gate: Mindfulness of precepts.

Mindfulness of precepts is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we fulfill all vows.(Nishijima/Cross)
Mindfulness of the precepts is a gate of realizing Dharma; it fully contains all vows. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Renew and Fulfill all our vows;
That we may keep steadfast on the path.

Reflection Prompts:
1. Can you briefly explain how the precepts assists in fulfilling all vows?
2. Do you see any small difference between the two translations above?
3. Is this difference significant?

Capping Verse:
One must realize
That the map
Is actual size


gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Hosai]

be good...

_/\_
sat/ah
matt

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. Can you briefly explain how the precepts assists in fulfilling all vows?
2. Do you see any small difference between the two translations above?
3. Is this difference significant?

1. Not any briefer than Matt!

2. To me, the first is about action. Through mindfulness of the precepts, when we take any action, we fulfill our vows by acting how a Buddha acts in all situations. The second is about the precepts themselves and containing the vows we need to actualize and become In order to realize the Dharma.

3. no real difference… becoming/actualizing the precepts and behaving as a Buddha are synonymous.

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today

[Tairin]

I like Matt’s response. I’ll add that the Precepts provide a framework that helps define what “good” is.


Tairin
sat today and lah