The Seventy-third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Seventy-third Gate: The balanced state, as a part of the state of truth

The balanced state, as a part of the state of truth, is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we recognize that all dharmas are in equilibrium. (Nishijima/Cross)
Branches of samadhi are a gate of realizing Dharma; they know the oneness of all things. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Practice the balanced state, as a part of the state of truth,
That we may recognize when all dharmas are in equilibrium.

Reflection Prompts:
1. Is all dharmas are in equilibrium equal to know the oneness of all things?
2. How does equanimity allow us to recognize that all dharmas are in equilibrium?
3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

All things in balance
Since day one;
Only mind wobbles.

stlah
合掌,生開
gassho, Shokai
stlah
仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai
"Open to life in a benevolent way"

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. Is all dharmas are in equilibrium equal to know the oneness of all things?
2. How does equanimity allow us to recognize that all dharmas are in equilibrium?
3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

1. yes, here all dharmas means all manifested things, or the myriad things and beings of this world. When we see the truth, we see Indra’s net. Every jewel perfectly reflecting all the rest. Balanced and whole.

2. Because equanimity keeps our mind in equilibrium. To be a Buddha is to be equanimous in mind, making no distinctions one accepts all that is.

3. May we, together with all buddhas;
Realize the balanced nature of reality
Within the equanimity of Samadhi

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Tairin]

Balance recognizes balance. Being in equanimity allows us the opportunity to recognize the equanimity of all things.


Tairin
sat today and lah