107 of 108 Gates of Dharma-Illumination

[Shokai]

gate 40.jpg
一百八法明門
IPPYAKUHACHI-HOMYOMON
One Hundred and Eight Gates of Dharma-Illumination

[107] The state beyond regressing and straying is a gate of Dharma-illumination; for it is replete with the Dharma of past buddhas.

The state beyond regressing and straying, often termed the stage of non-retrogression, represents a point where a practitioner is guaranteed to achieve enlightenment. It is characterized by unwavering wisdom, the cessation of ego-driven, karmic, and straying actions, leading to the full accomplishment of Buddhahood. Wisdom is crucial to reaching this stage, to avoid merely accumulating merit, ensuring the practice is true Buddhadharma rather than just virtuous acts. Balancing meditation and daily actions helps to eliminate emotional reactivity, allowing the mind to rest in calm awareness.
Releasing attachment and the perception of a permanent self allows for freedom from the cycle of karmic rebirth aswell.

So, we all have something to work on. this gate alone gives us lots to think about until the next review of the Gates. Before we move on to the final two gates, I'd like to thank you all for your contributions to this year's review and hope you'll join us again in December.

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

[Ryūdō-Liúdào]

“Beyond regressing and straying” feels a bit out of reach for me!

If anything, my practice still very much includes both. Here I go, wandering off, getting caught up, and then noticing and returning again. That cycle seems to be part of the path, not separate from it. Maybe for now, it’s less about never straying and more about coming back a little more quickly, and with a bit less resistance each time. But hey, if that’s movement in the right direction, then I’m happy to keep walking it!

Gasshō,
流道-Ryūdō-Liúdào
Satlah

[Seikan]

Naturally, this is a powerful gate in and of itself. However, it is also one of the most difficult to "achieve". Even if we never attain this Gate on a permanent level, it remains as an important directional guide for our practice. With each and every return to full awareness of the moment, we stop regressing for just that moment and possibly gain a tiny glimpse of what lies beyond this Gate.

On a related note, I can't believe we're almost at the end of another great round of Dharma Gates study. If you've made it this far, don't give up now! Remain vigilant!!!

Gassho,
Seikan
stlah

[dorgan]

Entering each day as a stream-winner, the state of wisdom, practice, and action that is beyond regression and straying, is what I have faith my practice will eventually be. Every day, another day to meditate, reflect, advance, meditate, help others, meditate, be mindful, be compassionate, be kind, and lend a helping hand.

gassho, david
stlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai.

Not much to add other than say that this is a continual work in progress.


Tairin
sat today and lah

[Tenryu]

A quiet direction amid the fog. Trusting that practice carries itself, even when things get a bit unsettled. Not something fixed or secure, just a sense of continuing, trying to be a lamp unto myself.

Gasshō,
Tenryū
sat•lah

[Choujou]

For some reason this gate brought up in my mind the quote “before enlightenment, sweep the floor. After enlightenment, sweep the floor.” This gate is not something to attain… but a letting go to realize what’s already here now. Regressing is falling back into small mind, getting caught in thoughts, the sense of “me”, The past, the future and our fantasies…Once we truly let go fully, then we walk through this gate. Easier said than done, but we continue to work towards this through our practice each day…

I can’t believe we’re almost at the end! It was wonderful to do this with all of you! I learned a lot and everyone’s input really gave me a lot to consider and ponder about. Thank you all for joining us on our journey through the gates this year! I look forward to nexts year’s journey!

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today

[Chikyou]

Like many of the other gates, this gate is more something to aspire to than something to perfectly attain in this lifetime. As something to aspire to, it’s more approachable than complete enlightenment (which is sort of an abstract concept if you ask me!) Like the Castle City in the Lotus Sutra. Aspire to this gate, and enlightenment will come.

Gassho,
SatLah,
Chikyō