The Twentieth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

20) The Twentieth Gate: Reflection on there being no self.

Reflection on there being no self is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not taintedly attach to self.(Nishijima/Cross)

Visualizing no-self is a gate of realizing Dharma; it frees you from the self. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all beings;
Concentrate on emptiness,
That we may be free from attachment to self.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Why is it so important that we detach from self ?

2. Once we reflect on there being no self does the attachment drop automatically?

3. Can you comment on other ways in which to achieve the same result?

Capping Verse:

The mirror empty
But for mist
Cast by a warm breath

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

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

1. Why is it so important that we detach from self ?

Because self is a delusion of our minds that is the root of greed, anger, ignorance and suffering; is something that makes it difficult for us to act with loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy and equanimity.

2. Once we reflect on there being no self does the attachment drop automatically?

Reflection on there being no self helps reduce the attachment, but only through practice can attachment drop away.

3. Can you comment on other ways in which to achieve the same result?

Zazen, samu and the precepts are other ways to free us from attachment, for they too express that there is no self.


Gassho,
Mateus
Satlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

When I think about “no self” in context of myself what I think about is detaching from my story or my narrative. Over the 55 years of my life I have built up a very strong narrative about who i am and how I act. That narrative defines me but also limits me. Detaching from my self also means detaching from that narrative. Why do I have limit my self, my words, my thoughts, and my actions to some formula I developed over time?

Like Mateus said, sitting on the Zafu in Zazen I can witness the arising of self but I can also give myself a time to let it go.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Shokai]