The Ninety-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Ninety-fourth Gate: The four elements of sociability

The four elements of sociability are a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with them] we accept all living beings and, after we have attained [the truth of] bodhi, we bestow the Dharma upon all living beings. (Nishijima/Cross)

The four methods of guidance are a gate of realizing dharma; they include all sentient beings, help them to be enlightened, and offer them dharma. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Cultivate the four elements of sociability
That we may be a light unto all beings.

Reflection Prompts:
1. What are the four elements of Sociability (hint) *
2. How do they assist in accepting all living beings
3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

True practice begins
The moment
We rise from our seat.

* Shobogenzo Fasc. 45(Nishijima-Cross); Fasc. 46(Tanahashi)

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

[Tairin]

1. What are the four elements of Sociability (hint) *



2. How do they assist in accepting all living beings?

All four are focused on thoughts, words, and actions that are directed towards other sentient beings. They help turn our focus away from ourselves and look at how we can be of benefit to others.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Choujou]

Reflection Prompts:
1. What are the four elements of Sociability (hint) *
2. How do they assist in accepting all living beings
3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

1. Giving, kind speech, beneficial action, and identity action.

2. Because if you follow these four elements, just through identity action (which is also contained in the other three elements), all beings are one and should be accepted and treated according to the four elements of sociability.

3.May we, together with all buddhas;
Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings
And treat all with generosity, kind words, and good deeds.

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Furyu]

Thank you for keeping up Tairin and Choujou. I don't always respond but appreciate reading your responses.



Furyu
Sat and lah