The Twenty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Twenty-fourth Gate: Veracity.

Veracity is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not deceive gods and human beings.(Nishijima/Cross)
Realness is a gate of realizing Dharma; it does not deceive devas and humans. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Intimately practice right speech,
That we may not deceive others.

Reflection Prompts:
1. How close are veracity and realness in meaning?
2. Does the gatha cover the essence of this gate?
3. Would you like to try writing another capping verse?

Capping Verse:
Most Detrimental
Are the lies
I tell to myself

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. How close are veracity and realness in meaning?
2. Does the gatha cover the essence of this gate?
3. Would you like to try writing another capping verse?

1. I think the relation is that both deal with telling the truth, but veracity deals with speaking the truth when talking to others. Also, staying true to what’s true! Realness is in regard to keeping true to one’s self, and how one presents oneself to others and how one interacts with the world. There are points where the two cross however… such as being real when talking about yourself is also veracity. So pretty close!

2. Partially, since it is still possible to deceive others without using speech.

3. In deceit,
gain an illusion,
and everyone loses.

Gassho,
Jay

sat/lah today

[Hosai]

As my daughter says BFFR!

_/\_
sat/ah
matt

[Meishin]

Knowing that I am "lying to myself" is not so easy. The many mind modules compete for dominance. When I am ill, the module that feels hopeless takes center stage. When I am happily walking in the park, the module that says "life is great" is dominant. For some, the strategy of making cheerful comments in the face of devastation is the choice, and that might be "lying to myself." Maybe the better approach is to be slow to speak, let things simmer a bit. Do not become attached to passing moods and emotions. Sadly, many talk the good talk and then fall into the abyss of depression. Saying that I feel depressed is often the first step out of depression.

This is only from the viewpoint of psychology. From the Dharma, all "modules" are merely expressions. Thunderstorms and rainbows.

Speak softly and carry a big stick of humility.

Gassho
Meishin
stlah

[Tairin]

Does the gatha cover the essence of this gate?

Almost but as Jay said above, it is possible to deceive through actions as well as words.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Shokai]

' since human beings are expert in wishful thinking and obscuring the truth; the greatest sources of our suffering are the lies we tell ourselves." Van der Kolk - The Body keeps Score