108 of 108 Gates of Dharma-Illumination

[Shokai]

Happy Vesak to you all!!

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

[108] The wisdom that leads us from one state to another state is a gate of Dharma-illumination; for [with it], having water sprinkled on the head, we accomplish total wisdom.

The wisdom that leads from one state to another—specifically from the state of suffering and cyclic existence (samsara) to the state of enlightenment and liberation (nirvana)—is known as Prajna. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge; it is a profound, experiential insight into the true nature of reality that changes how one perceives the world and acts within it, resulting in the ending of ignorance.
"Having water sprinkled on the head"; ceremonial sprinkling of water on a bodhisattva’s head, is said to be done when
a bodhisattva is about to enter the ultimate state and become buddha. During the Jukai Ceremony, water is sprinkled on the head of the Jukaiee; who then sits in the chair and is circled by the entire Sangha while the Preceptor recites a verse which declares them to be a child of Buddha, welcoming them into the family.

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

[dorgan]

With love and deep gratitude, this Jukai Ceremony experience will soon arrive for me. Thank you, Shokai, for your gift of life and teaching!

gassho, david
stlah

[Tenryu]

I remember the water on my head during Jukai, and I keep that gesture in mind during Fusatsu. In that same spirit, just continuing through the gates, meeting each moment as it comes.

Gasshō,
Tenryū
st and lah

[Seikan]

I can't help but see a similarity between the sprinkling of water on the head when raking/reaffirming the precepts and baptism in various Christian traditions. Both signify a commitment: baptism represents one's pact with the divine while Jukai/Fusatsu represents a commitment to the precepts and the Buddhist path. The latter is a conscious act that results from the wisdom/prajna that grows out of the seed of Bodhicitta.

As we approach the end of our Dharma Gates study, it seems quite fitting to come full circle to that initial seed of awakening that arose (and continues to arise) within each of us so that we might nurture it with all our care and attention.

Gassho,
Seikan
stlah

[Ryūdō-Liúdào]

I find that each “wave” of understanding is both its own moment and a teacher for the next. Each time, we learn a little more about how to meet it, how to move with it, and in doing so, we’re a bit more ready for whatever comes after.

As for the water blessing, I really like that symbolism. Here in Bali, they often place rice on the third eye as well. It feels fitting—rice as both potential and nourishment. Something that grows, and something that sustains. Very groovy.

Gasshō,
流道-Ryūdō-Liúdào
Satlah

[Tairin]

Tairin
sat today and lah

[Chikyou]

The reference to water makes me think of atonement. The wisdom to know when we’re straying from the path, atonement and get back on. Those constant small adjustments become almost imperceptible stepping stones until one day I look back and realize I’m nowhere near where I started.

Gassho,
SatLah,
Chikyō

[Choujou]

The water reference brings me to oneness beyond oneness. I actually used the ocean as a metaphor for reality for my son last night while trying to explain the nature of reality to him before his first time sitting shikantaza. It also brings the thought/feeling of purification, as water washes away all the muck and dirt that accumulates over time, so too does Buddha nature wash away all delusions. Water is also life itself. Without water, there would be no life here. It is fitting that in this gate it represents the wisdom of shifting from samsara to nirvana. Since water for me is a symbol of Buddha Nature, here I find it quite fitting indeed as this is the “final” gate.

Gassho,
Choujou

sat/lah today