The fourteenth of 108 gates of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Fourteenth Gate: Benevolence

Benevolence is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] good roots prevail in all the situations of life.(Nishijima/Cross)
Compassionate is a gate of realizing Dharma; it encompasses wholesome roots in all realms of birth. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all beings;
Actualize openness and generosity
That these good roots may embrace all conditions of life.

Reflection Prompts:
1. How does the difference between benevolence and compassionate affect the intent of this gate?
2. What is meant by good or wholesome roots?
3. Can you describe the difference between 'situations of life' and 'realms of birth'

Capping Verse:
Practicing kindness
Not so hard
Except when “I” try

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Hosai]

Matthew 6:3

_/\_
sat/ah
matt

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. How does the difference between benevolence and compassionate affect the intent of this gate?
2. What is meant by good or wholesome roots?
3. Can you describe the difference between 'situations of life' and 'realms of birth'

1. Benevolence to me is good will towards all. Compassion is feeling empathy for and seeking to relieve the suffering of others. Both are good intentions and actions towards all.

2. When we have compassion and benevolence in our heart as the core and base from which our thoughts and actions arise.

3. Situations in life are exactly that, our daily activities and life unfolding… realms of birth (I think) may refer to having compassion towards all beings, human, animal, plants, hungry ghosts… it’s all Buddha.

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today

[Tairin]

You reap what you sow. Plant benevolence and compassion and that is what you will reap.


Tairin
sat today and lah