102 of 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

12 Quaint gate.jpg
一百八法明門
IPPYAKUHACHI-HOMYOMON
One Hundred and Eight Gates of Dharma-Illumination

[102] Entry into all conduct is a gate of Dharma-illumination; for [with it] we attain realization of the Buddha-eye.

"Entry into all conduct" signifies applying mindful awareness, ethical discipline, and compassion to every action of body, speech, and mind. It involves adopting a Bodhisattva perspective, recognizing interdependence, and letting go of ego-driven habits (clinging to the five skandhas) to avoid harm and promote wisdom in daily life. Acknowledging the "groundlessness" of situations and responding with compassion rather than attachment to outcomes.
Applying ethical training to professional and personal life, focusing on helping others Using ethical behavior to restrain unwholesome impulses and cultivate a clear, peaceful, and wise mind. By embodying these principles, every action becomes a practice, leading to a reduction in suffering and increased wisdom.

This Gate isn't as stringent as yesterday's. How does yhis one make you feel??

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

[Ryūdō-Liúdào]

This one feels much closer to how practice actually shows up for me. Sometimes I wonder if “right conduct” can feel a bit performative at first, but I think that’s just part of learning.

At some point, we all choose how we intend to behave, even if it doesn’t come naturally yet. So there’s a kind of “fake it till you make it” phase, where actions are more conscious and deliberate.

Over time, though, those choices start to settle in. What once felt forced begins to feel more natural, and we move from effort toward something more like instinct. Step by step, the path becomes a little easier to walk.

Gasshō,
流道-Ryūdō-Liúdào
Satlah

[dorgan]

I arose today at 5:30 am and hid little chocolate eggs all over the apartment, so my wife could be surprised upon waking. An egg hunt of fun. Then I sat zazen with my lovely sangha. Now I sit and type this text, thinking how fortunate I am to have brothers and sisters in my life with whom I can share this Zen adventure. My cat comes and asks for some time and a gentle pat. I agree, and she purrs. Into the darkness that was night, sunshine begins to creep, changing the colours I see with each passing moment. Oh, what a wonder to be alive and to have this droplet of experience, and to know it arises only because of the entirety of existence, the true sangha of a living universe! Love! Have a beautiful day!

gassho, david
stlah

[Tenryu]

This one brings me back to something very simple. In the middle of speaking or acting, I sometimes notice how a fixed outcome has already crept in, and the body tightens a bit, the response feels slightly off even before anything is said. When that softens, there’s more room, the situation doesn’t have to go a certain way, and what comes out feels more natural.

Gasshō,
Tenryū
sat&LaH

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

I am not really sure what to say to this Gate other than the definition you supplied seems to define the Path I have committed to. I try my best.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Seikan]

This gate is another call to right action/engagement with the world around us. At first, all such "right" action is highly conscious and guided heavily by the precepts. Over time, however, our "right" actions become more spontaneous and natural based on whatever the moment calls for. Through all aspects of our practice, we cultivate this spontaneity, and slowly . . . ever so slowly . . . our actions begin to emanate organically from that placeless place of wisdom that is accessible to all of us at all times. We just need to get out of our own way see it clearly.

Gassho,
Seikan
stlah

[Choujou]

In the world of mattress sales, the desired outcome is crystal clear: sell a mattress (and pillows, protectors, sheets, power bases, frames… you get the idea) You enter into a sales situation with a customer and this is where a choice is made. One can choose to be manipulative and play upon customer psychology, or one can act with compassion towards that person and their needs for a better night’s sleep, showing them the right (not always the most expensive by the way) mattress for them that will help improve their lives. I find that the latter method is almost effortless, natural, and at the end, both you and the customer feel good! I find that when I really connect, it doesn’t become about the sale, but about the person in front of me. A lot of the time they will make a purchase but not always, and I accept it either way knowing that I am trying my best for the person, and not a sale.
The first way can work too, and sometimes you sell more expensive mattresses, but it takes effort and it’s draining to sell that way. Customers can sense that something is off or that they are “being sold”. Sometimes they feel they were pushed to buy more expensive than they wanted… It just doesn’t make for a nice experience for anyone.
There is pressure to perform in this world, like any sales world, and some choose “the dark side” as I call it and try to manipulate customers into buying higher ticketed mattresses… but after 25 years, I find that the expectations will be met when you do what is right by the customer and treat them with kindness, empathy, compassion, and really try to connect with them. Listen to their suffering, bear witness… and then do your best to help them sleep better to heal.
This gate makes me feel like I’m headed the right way… always working to be better

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Chikyou]

Practicing right conduct (and being mindful of my conduct) is a big part of practice for me. Not only does it keep me aligned with the precepts, but it keeps me engaged with my practice in the world.

Gassho,
SatLah,
Chikyō