A gateway is an opening that provides entrance into an experience. The entrance into a field to explore the way of nature or the entrance to an arena to experience an event to explore the way of mankind. Therefore a gate of Dharma Illumination is an opportunity to explore the Dharma. After reviewing the 108 gates of Dharma Illumination several times one begins to appreciate that 108 Gates are someone's attempt to show that anything and everything is a Dharma Gate. Similarly, this can be indicated by the teachings of Huang Po:
"If you are not absolutely convinced that the Mind is the Buddha, and if you are attached to forms,practices and meritorious performances, your way of thinking is false and quite incompatible with the Way."
Although this is not within our lineage, it makes good sense. As well, you may wish to read fascicle 95 of Dogen's Shobogenzo to remind yourself of Shakyamuni's Last Teaching. In fact I'd suggest you read this fascicle every other day over the next two weeks as we dive into a new year, a new Jukai ceremony and, in commemoration of the coming celebration of Pari-nirvanna.
Meanwhile, I intend to start our eleventh review of The 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination tomorrow. This time around based on collaboration with Rob "Seikan" dePaulo, we will include translations by both Our Dharma Grandfather Nishijima-roshi and Kazuaki Tanahashi. This is not to compare translations but rather, to appreciate two perspectives; one from within and without our lineage.
See you at the First Gate
gassho, Shokai
stlah
"If you are not absolutely convinced that the Mind is the Buddha, and if you are attached to forms,practices and meritorious performances, your way of thinking is false and quite incompatible with the Way."
Although this is not within our lineage, it makes good sense. As well, you may wish to read fascicle 95 of Dogen's Shobogenzo to remind yourself of Shakyamuni's Last Teaching. In fact I'd suggest you read this fascicle every other day over the next two weeks as we dive into a new year, a new Jukai ceremony and, in commemoration of the coming celebration of Pari-nirvanna.
Meanwhile, I intend to start our eleventh review of The 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination tomorrow. This time around based on collaboration with Rob "Seikan" dePaulo, we will include translations by both Our Dharma Grandfather Nishijima-roshi and Kazuaki Tanahashi. This is not to compare translations but rather, to appreciate two perspectives; one from within and without our lineage.
See you at the First Gate
gassho, Shokai
stlah
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