The Thirty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Thirty-fourth Gate: Inhibition of self-conceit.

Inhibition of self-conceit is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] wisdom is fulfilled.(Nishijima/Cross)
Being patient* is a gate of realizing Dharma; it fulfills wisdom. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Refrain from the practice of self-conceit,
That we may know true wisdom.

Reflection Prompts:
1. Can you explain the connection between Inhibition of self-conceit and patience?
* Tanahashi (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) pg 809, middle of second paragraph
2. Given that they are related, how does that fulfill wisdom.
3. Can this be resoled by a change to the Gatha?

Capping Verse:
Wisdom shines brightest
When the clouds
Of self disappear

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Furyu]

1 & 2
Interesting that the translations seem so different. I would say that to observe and diminish our self-conceit is a work of great patience, and as patience asks for us to be less reactive and take greater care before we judge (even ourselves), it is cultivating wisdom. To be aware of our own shortcomings in a gentle way helps us to foster patience and compassion when dealing with what we perceive to be someone else's shortcoming as well (hopefully).

3.
With patience, the clouds pass by
And wisdom shines naturally
To dispel the self

Gassho
Satlah
Fūryū

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. Can you explain the connection between Inhibition of self-conceit and patience?
* Tanahashi (Treasury of the True Dharma Eye) pg 809, middle of second paragraph
2. Given that they are related, how does that fulfill wisdom.
3. Can this be resoled by a change to the Gatha?

1. I think this points to the dangers of over confidence, and/or thinking too highly of one’s practice/self. Many feel that there is a goal to attain, something to achieve, and that is not this way. Humans tend to turn things into competition (even with the self), but how can one compete for a goalless goal? How can one win, when what you win is nothing! Just sit!

2. When one lets all of it go, even the self, then truth will be realized and wisdom fulfilled. There was never a self to be conceited about, no practice, no patience. Just this.

3. May we, together with all buddhas;
Have patience in letting go of the self,
That we may know true wisdom.

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Meishin]

Perhaps patience is a tool useful in inhibiting self-conceit. It may be hearing a friend tell a story and not immediately following with a story of ones own. Their story is precious, but we cheapen it with our own. This is not empathy. It is hijacking.

May we honor each other with full and non-competitive attention.

Gassho
Meishin
stlah

[Tairin]

I’ll defer to what the guys said above about patience and self-conceit. I don’t have any better explanation.

I do like the Tanahashi translation better here. We spend so much of our time rushing around, being impatient, seeking instant gratification. Patience to me means slowing down. Letting things come. Letting the universe unfold as it will.


Tairin
sat today and lah