The Twenty-third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Twenty-third Gate: Humility.

Humility is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] eternal malevolence vanishes.(Nishijima/Cross)
Shame is a gate of realizing Dharma; it destroys outer unwholesomeness. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Be mindful in our practice of humility,
That we may see an end to all ill will.

Reflection Prompts:
1. What is the difference between humility and shame?
2. What is the difference between eternal malevolence and outer unwholesomeness?
3. Can this comparison resolve the phrase 'an end to all ill will?'

Capping Verse:

Placing others first
How could we
Ever wish them harm?


gassho,Shokai
stlah

[Hosai]

"Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way..."

- Mac Davis

_/\_
sat/ah
matt

[Tairin]

I disagree with the use of the word “shame” here. It is completely possible to act with humility without the feeling of shame. Humility is a positive action. Shame is a negative. If I act with genuine humility then I really shouldn’t be ashamed of the outcomes.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Meishin]

When I am excessively proud, it's usually because I'm trying to cover up excessive shame. Nothing wrong with a little shame when one has really screwed up. But I agree with Tairin. It's far more helpful to act with humility in the first place.

Gassho
Meishin
stlah

PS And come to think of it, I should be a little ashamed of saying "screwed up." Better to say, "messed up." Sorry.

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. What is the difference between humility and shame?
2. What is the difference between eternal malevolence and outer unwholesomeness?
3. Can this comparison resolve the phrase 'an end to all ill will?'

1. To me, shame is usually associated with wrongful acts, humility is the state of being humble in all situations and actions.

2. I would say that eternal malevolence is an ill will towards others or an “againstness” that can not be changed. Outer unwholesomeness is in regard to acts performed by someone that are not in harmony with the Precepts.

3. Absolutely, staying humble keeps one mindful of others and how we treat them.

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today