The Thirty-second of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Thirty-second Gate: to work for the Dharma.

To work for the Dharma is a gate of Dharma illumination; for we act in conformity with the Dharma.(Nishijima/Cross)
Helping Dharma is a gate of realizing Dharma; it lets you practice in accordance with the dharma. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Work in harmony with the Dharma
That we may adapt to its wisdom

Reflection Prompts:
1. What is a good example of working for or helping the Dharma?
2. Is it not obvious that working for the Dharma we would act practice in accordance with it? Or is there a step in there that requires mindfulness?
3. Write a new Dharma Gate Verse.

Capping Verse:
When we give ourselves
To Dharma
Dharma gives to all

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. What is a good example of working for or helping the Dharma?
2. Is it not obvious that working for the Dharma we would act practice in accordance with it? Or is there a step in there that requires mindfulness?
3. Write a new Dharma Gate Verse.

1. Any action that helps to reduce or end the suffering of others. Feeding the hungry, attending to the sick… but it can also be small. Walking your friend’s dog while they’re away, getting something off the top shelf for someone who can’t reach it. Whenever we serve others and help ease their troubles, then we are helping the Dharma.

2. Unless one is a Buddha, one must be mindful, or the small mind will drag you to acts and practice not aligned with the Dharma….

3. May we, together with all buddhas;
Practice mindfulness of Dharma in all acts and words
And take away the suffering of others

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Furyu]

It does seem obvious. How can we engage in Dharma without mindfulness?

Sit zazen
Do good
Have some tea

Gassho
Fūryū
sat