The eighty-sixth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Eighty-sixth Gate ; Development

Development is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we realize all dharmas concerning the root of good. (Nishijima/Cross)
Improvement is a gate of realizing dharma; it leads to attaining all wholesome roots. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Be diligent in our practice
That we may realize the root of good in all dharmas

Reflection Prompts:
1. Development and Improvement are not necessarily the same but similar. How do they both helpto realize wholesome roots?
2. Write a new Gate Gatha.
3. Comment on the Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

Flowers grow and bloom
By being
Nothing but themselves

合掌,生開
gassho, Shokai
stlah
仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. Development and Improvement are not necessarily the same but similar. How do they both helpto realize wholesome roots?
2. Write a new Gate Gatha.
3. Comment on the Capping Verse.

1. As one develops one’s practice, we discover new teachings, techniques, and perspectives that help us realize “wholesome roots”, or that which will be the basis for our wholesome actions and behaviors as we head towards Buddhahood. Improvement is working on what is already known, but maybe not quite fully understood. This is why we practice.

2. May we, together with all buddhas;
Rest not on our our laurels,
Steadfast to develop and improve our practice.

3. Ah, but one must attend to the weeds, water the flowers, and ensure that nothing comes and plucks then away from you.

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Tairin]

1. Development and Improvement are not necessarily the same but similar. How do they both helpto realize wholesome roots?

I feel the Gate Gatha has the answer here “Be diligent in our practice, That we may realize the root of good in all dharmas“

We develop and improve through our diligence and consistency.


Tairin
sat today and lah