The Twenty-first of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

21) The Twenty-first Gate: Reflection on stillness

Reflection on stillness is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not disturb the mind.(Nishijima/Cross)

Visualizing serene samadhi is a gate of realizing Dharma; it keeps you heart and mind from being stirred. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Reflect on the absence of motion,
That our mind may be free to be spacious.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Explain any difference between stillness and serene samadi?

2. Explain any difference between refiection and visualizing

3. Explain any difference between mind and heart/mind?

Capping Verse:

Water undisturbed
Reflects all
Even the ripples

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[aprapti]

Water undisturbed
Reflects all
Even the ripples


aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for the Twenty-First Gate!

1. Explain any difference between stillness and serene Samadi?

Stillness brings the idea of no motion, no thought or emotion, while serene samadhi, to me, brings the idea of being undisturbed by the thoughts and emotions, moving smoothely.

2. Explain any difference between refection and visualizing.

Reflection is to be like a mirror, undisturbed, reflecting the images before it. Visualizing seems to require an active effort of bringing something to mind.

3. Explain any difference between mind and heart/mind?

To me, they are both different ways to referring to the non-body skandhas - thoughts, sensations, perseptions, mental formations (like emotions, feelings etc.) and conciousness.


Gassho,
Mateus
Satlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

From The Gateless Gate Case 29

Two monks were arguing about a flag. One said: "The flag is moving."

The other said: "The wind is moving."

The sixth patriarch happened to be passing by. He told them: "Not the wind, not the flag; mind is moving."

Stillness can be found in every moment, in every place. Every moment is peacefully serene. It is the mind that perceives motion and busyness




Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Shokai]