The Forty-third of 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Forty-third Gate: pursuit of abundant knowledge.

Pursuit of abundant knowledge is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we truly reflect on the form of the Dharma.(Nishijima/Cross)
Seeking extensive learning is a gate of realizing Dharma; it leads to right awakening to aspects of Dharma. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Accumulate abundant knowledge,
That we may experience the Dharma "as it is."

Reflection Prompts:

1. How does a greater knowledge base allow us to more clearly relate to the Dharma?
2. Does Tanahashi-roshis translation answer #1 above?
3. Explain what is meant by "breaking the mold." in the third line of the Capping Verse?

Capping Verse:
The Dharma takes shape
With study
Then we break the mold.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:

1. How does a greater knowledge base allow us to more clearly relate to the Dharma?
2. Does Tanahashi-roshis translation answer #1 above?
3. Explain what is meant by "breaking the mold." in the third line of the Capping Verse?

1. greater knowledge of the Dharma allows us to see further see into and penetrate to the fullness of the truth of the Dharma. There are subtle nuances that can only be understood with greater knowledge, and then reflection upon. (Then the use, letting go, and actualiztion of that knowledge to change the knowledge to experience.) Also, the Dharma is presented differently by many different teachers. One may find clearer understanding the more one learns, as some teachers may not speak to your own heart, while others may reach it directly.

2. Yes, because it alludes to full awakening, understanding the fullness of the Dharma, in all its nuances and subtleties as well as the obvious.

3. Everyone has a preconceived notion of what the truth is, or may be. What a Buddha is or is not… and yet, we do not see! It is amazing what delusions the small mind will present to us as truth! The more we study and learn the Dharma, the more those delusions are dispelled and swept away.

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Hosai]

Those who can, do.
Those who can't, sit.
Those who can't sit, Teach.
Those who can't teach give Dharma talks.
And those who can't give Dharma talks, write things on Treeleaf.org

_/\_
sat/ah
hōsai

[Tairin]

I don’t like either expression. They sound to much like the goal driven more, more, more.

Replace “knowledge” with experience and then I am more in agreement.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Choujou]

Those who can, do.
Those who can't, sit.
Those who can't sit, Teach.
Those who can't teach give Dharma talks.
And those who can't give Dharma talks, write things on Treeleaf.org

_/\_
sat/ah
hōsai

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today