The Fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

5) The Fifth Gate: Right Conduct/Practice of the Body

Right conduct of the actions of the body is a gate of Dharma illumination; for (with it) the three kinds of behaviour* are pure. (Nishijima/Cross)

Right practice of the body is a gate of realizing dharma; for the three actions* are kept pure. (Tanahashi)

*actions of body, speech, and mind/thoughts.

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas
Actualize the skill of controlling our practice/actions of the body;
That the three forms of behavior may be cleansed.

Reflection Prompts:

What would you say is the distinction between mind and thought?

Explain the difference between actions and practice?

Once again, what is the importance of purification

Capping Verse:

Best to be Buddha
Here and now
Never tomorrow

Gassho,Shokai
stlah

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for bringing us the Fifth Gate.

What would you say is the distinction between mind and thought?

Thought is mind; but I think mind is more than thought, including also feelings and desires.

Explain the difference between actions and practice?

I see actions as all we do intentionally while practice is a deliberate action that we do or at least decide to do repeatedly.

Once again, what is the importance of purification?

I think it has to do with removing greed, anger and ignorance, all that causes our divided thinking and the suffering for us and for others (not two) that results from it. It also relates to our Bodhisattva vows to save all sentient beings.

Gassho,
Mateus
Satlah

[Anchi]

[Onsho]

Mind seems intentional while thought seems erratic. Being mindful takes using an intentional skill for me.

Practice is our intention the small training sessions that sets us into motion, mastery through repetition. Our actions are our only true possession, the cat being let out of the bag.

In this context I see purification as knowingly doing what you feel is right. To be kindly vigilant with yourself.

Gassho
Keith
Satlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai. Somehow I missed this one.

May we, together with all buddhas
Actualize the skill of controlling our practice/actions of the body;

It is my hope that through my efforts to cleans my thoughts and words I can also cleans my actions since often my actions are simply a physical manifestation of my thoughts


Tairin
Sat today and lah