The Hundred and first of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Hundred and first Gate; Entry into the state of unrestricted speech

Entry into the state of unrestricted speech is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we attain realization of the Dharma-eye. (Nishijima/Cross)

Entering unhindered understanding is a gate of realizing dharma; it acquires and completes the dharma eye. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Study the state of unrestricted speech
That we may attain realization of the Dharma-eye.

Reflection Prompt: ( Comment on the following paragraph. )

The more we study and practice, the more we begin to see with our inner wisdom eye. Our physical eyes are part of our physical “pain body” constituted by our emotions. We are all familiar with the phrase, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.” This reminds us that there is no ultimate truth in our visual perceptions. Through the training of wisdom, we can begin to see clearly and completely, in a way that we have never seen before. Once wisdom is attained there is no further need to restrict speech, it flows naturally. Entering this state of unrestricted speech gives one greater realization of Dharma meaning.

Capping Verse:

Words born of wisdom—
Dharma drips
From every syllable.

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

[Tairin]

This Gate feels like it could be misunderstood. How many people misjudge their “wisdom” and their ability to “see clearly and completely”? I think the historical Buddha and a few others through time may have achieved this state but most of us remain delusional (at least some of the time). I do agree in principle that someone who has attained wisdom and see clearly and completely can (and should) speak freely hopefully to help free others.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Choujou]

I think it is important to speak freely and truthfully at all times, but I do agree that some restriction of one’s speech is necessary before one attains the full wisdom of the Dharma, or else we risk teaching false Dharmas, using harsh words etc… Wisdom brings about expedient means, which essentially means one will say just the right things at all times to help those around you understand the Dharma. When one has achieved this, speech is no longer restricted as it flows naturally with the Dharma. However, I agree with Tairin , there are many who misjudge their wisdom… This is not an easy thing to achieve…one must stay hunble throughout the process…

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today