The Fifty-fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Fifty-fifth Gate: The Dharma as an Abode of Mindfulness

The Dharma* as an abode of mindfulness is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] wisdom is free of blurs. (Nishijima/Cross)
The ground of mindfulness of dharma is a gate of realizing dharma; it leads to wisdom with no obscuration. (Tanahashi)

*[Dharma: The Law; essential quality or character, as of the cosmos or one's own nature]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Reflect on the essence of the Dharma
That we may clarify our understanding of Reality 'as it is.'

Reflection Prompts:
1. How does Dharma as an abode of mindfulness lead to wisdom with no obscuration?
2. Explain the phrase "The ground of mindfulness ."
3. Write a new capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

seeing clearly or not
i still act mindfully
just like that

gassho, Shokai
stlah

p.s. You may have noticed, having completed Gate 54 we are halfway through the 12th season of this practice

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. How does Dharma as an abode of mindfulness lead to wisdom with no obscuration?
2. Explain the phrase "The ground of mindfulness ."
3. Write a new capping Verse.

1. To know oneself as well as the universe (which is the same thing) is wisdom without obscuration. All is clear, all is as it is without any question. Full acceptance.

2. Not sure the intended meaning to be honest, but to me this would mean “the basis” or “foundation” for something else. The “ground” being solid ground to start from and for something to grow from. So the foundation of mindfulness of dharma results in or grows into wisdom with no obscuration.

3. Accepting the universe
the mirror Is crystal clear
And so are the smudges

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Furyu]

Just some thoughts...

The teachings hold mindfulness in their own way, for us to discover. When we abide in mindfulness, we actualize the teachings with clear view.
Mindfulness is actualized in the ten thousand things, for us to discover. The ten thousand things are no other than us when we see clearly.

Minfulness is buddha is dharma is the flowing foundation of being. The ground of 'mindfulness of dharma' is a sentient existence. (As far as humans can tell with our point of view). Tiles and pebbles are naturally abiding.

seeing clearly or not
i still act mindfully
just like that

Gassho
Fūryū
satlah

[Tairin]

Dharma leads to dharma



Tairin
sat today and lah