The Twenty-first of 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Twenty-first Gate: Reflection on stillness
(two for the price of one as a make up for the Lost day of data)

Reflection on stillness is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not disturb the mind.(Nishijima/Cross)
Visualizing serene samadhi is a gate of realizing Dharma; it keeps you heart and mind from being stirred. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Reflect on the absence of motion,
That our mind may be free to be spacious.

Reflection Prompts:
1. Explain any difference between stillness and serene samadi?
2. Explain any difference between refiection and visualizing
3. Explain any difference between mind and heart/mind?

Capping Verse:
Water undisturbed
Reflects all
Even the ripples

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Hosai]

_/\_
sat/ah
matt

[Meishin]

It may appear as the space between thoughts. Or between the two curtains of a camera shutter. Clear mind notices. Busy mind gets lost en route to the next impression.

Gassho
Meishin
stlah

[Tairin]

Whenever I consider stillness I am brought back to Jundo’s sitting in downtown Tokyo. The sense of stillness or lack of stillness is perception.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Choujou]

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. Explain any difference between stillness and serene samadi?
2. Explain any difference between refiection and visualizing
3. Explain any difference between mind and heart/mind?

1. Hmm…Stillness is… serene samadhi is becoming it

2. I would say reflection is the consideration of something in all its aspects and what it means to you, how it has changed you perhaps, sometimes a synthesis of experience and psyche. Visualizing is using the imagination to picture something in the mind’s eye.

3. Not sure if this is meant in context of “Big” and “small” mind, but that’s how I took it. Small mind is easily swayed by the emotions…

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today