The Ninety-third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Ninety-third Gate; Expedient means

Expedient means are a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with them] we manifest ourselves according to the dignified forms that living beings admire, and we teach and guide [living beings], accomplishing the Dharma of all the buddhas (Nishijima/Cross)

Skillful means is a gate of realizing dharma; it manifests guidance in accordance with the awesome presence viewed by sentient beings, and accomplishes the dharma of all buddhas. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Learn to apply Expedient Means
That we may accomplish the Dharma of all the buddhas.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How do expedient means help us to manifest ourselves according to the dignified forms that living beings admire?
2. What does accomplishing the Dharma of all the buddhas mean?
3. Write a new Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

Solid, liquid, gas
Shifting forms
Water serves all needs.

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

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:

1. How do expedient means help us to manifest ourselves according to the dignified forms that living beings admire?
2. What does accomplishing the Dharma of all the buddhas mean?
3. Write a new Capping Verse.

1. Because, in that moment, through wisdom, we become/say/do exactly what would capture the attention of the person the expedient means is for, and then get them to realize the Dharma in ways they will understand it.

2. That there are many different teachings for many different perspectives. When we use expedient means, we embody all Dhamas, and reach all ears accordingly.

3. Like a chameleon
A Buddha changes approach
For the situation at hand

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today