The Twenty-seventh of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

27) The Twenty-seventh Gate: The Three Devotions.

The Three Devotions* are a gate of Dharma illumination; for they purify the three evil worlds**.(Nishijima/Cross)

Taking refuge in the three(treasures)* is a gate of realizing Dharma; it purifies the three unwholesome paths**. (Tanahashi)

* Devotion to/ refuge in; the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
** the formless world, the world of form and the world of desire

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Take refuge in the three treasures,
That we may purify the three evil worlds.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Are Refuge and devotion synonymous?

2. In what way do they purify the Evil/ unwholesome paths?

3. Your choice, write a newcapping verse or Gatha.

Capping Verse:

Brightest of all stars—
Luminous
Are the Three Jewels

gassho,Shokai
stlah

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for today's sitting and for the Twenty-Seventh Gate.

1. Are Refuge and devotion synonymous?

I think refuge is somewhere we go when we are needing help, while devotion means to live the life for the sake of something. IN the case of the Three Treasures, they are both our refuge and our devotion.

2. In what way do they purify the Evil/ unwholesome paths?

In devoting ourselves to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, we cut through the duality that divide the Pure Land of the Buddha and the three worlds of evil/unwholesome paths, making us perceive that they are not two.

3. Your choice, write a newcapping verse or Gatha.

Devoting ourselves to the Three Treasures,
Making the tree evil worlds pure
Practice realized


Gassho,
Tai Do (Mateus)
Satlah

[Shokai]

Devoting ourselves to the Three Treasures,
Making the tree evil worlds pure
Practice realized

Gassho, Shokai
stlah
p.s. Congratulations on your Jukai, Taido

[Tai Do]

Gassho, Shokai
stlah
p.s. Congratulations on your Jukai, Taido

Thank you very much, Shokai.
Gassho,
Tai Do (Mateus)
Satlah

[Tokan]

Hello again

1. Are Refuge and devotion synonymous? - Devotion is a form of taking refuge, taking refuge is an act of devotion (in my mind anyway).

2. In what way do they purify the Evil/ unwholesome paths? - As a candle in the dark can banish darkness, magnified by multiple 'mirrors' (practitioners)..........

3. Your choice, write a newcapping verse or Gatha. -

All practitioners together, taking refuge,
A devoted practice of effervescent joy,
Transforming the three worlds of delusion.


Gassho, Tokan

SatLah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai. It’s been a busy week and I’ve fallen behind on the Gates.

1. Are Refuge and devotion synonymous?

I don’t think so. A similar to what Taido said, I think of refuge as a place to go…. Place to go physically, mentally, and/or spiritually. Devotion seems to be more aligned to our vows and commitment to this path.

2. In what way do they purify the Evil/ unwholesome paths?

I see refuge as a (hopefully) safe haven from unwholesome paths. Devotion as our commitment to, as best as we can, stay away from those unwholesome paths.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Shokai]

And, then again both are an action or intention with the assumption that our practice / behaviour will provide protection. That's almost like saying , 'on the other hand there are four fingers and a thumb,' Right?

gassho, Shokai
stalh

[Tairin]

And, then again both are an action or intention with the assumption that our practice / behaviour will provide protection. That's almost like saying , 'on the other hand there are four fingers and a thumb,' Right?

gassho, Shokai
stalh