The Forty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

44) The Forty-fourth Gate: right means.

Right means are a gate of Dharma illumination; for they are accompanied by right conduct.(Nishijima/Cross)

Right skillful means is a gate of realizing Dharma; it embodies right action. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize pure intentions,
That we may be assured of right conduct.

Reflection Prompts:

1. In what way are Right Means accompanied by right Conduct?

2. How does Right skillful Means embody Right Action?

3. Are right Conduct and Action the same thing?

Capping Verse:

Balancing the what
With the how
We act as Buddha

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

The Forty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

Reflection Prompts:

1. In what way are Right Means accompanied by right Conduct?

Right means refer to the methods, techniques or ways of approaching a situation in a skillful and ethical manner. Right conduct refers to the ethical and moral behavior and actions that accompany those means. In other words, right means and right conduct are interdependent; the right means alone are not enough, they must be accompanied by ethical and moral behavior to bring about the desired outcome.

2. How does Right skillful Means embody Right Action?

Right skillful means refer to the application of wisdom and compassion in choosing the most appropriate and effective method for a particular situation. This involves choosing actions that will lead to the best outcome while avoiding actions that may cause harm to oneself or others. Right action, on the other hand, refers to the actual behavior or deeds performed in accordance with the ethical and moral principles. By embodying right action, right skillful means serve as a guide for ethical and moral behavior, leading to a harmonious and compassionate outcome.

3. Are right Conduct and Action the same thing?

Right conduct and right action are closely related, but not the same thing. Right conduct refers to the ethical and moral principles that guide behavior, while right action refers to the actual behavior or deeds performed in accordance with those principles. Right conduct provides the framework for ethical behavior, while right action is the manifestation of that framework in daily life.

New Capping Verse:

Right means, right action
Guide us like the North Star's light
Shining bright in wisdom's might

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for the Forty-Fourth Gate.

1. In what way are Right Means accompanied by right Conduct?

2. How does Right skillful Means embody Right Action?

Right Means refers to the conducts and actions we do informed by the Precepts, Vows and moral principles, but also by the Dharma as a whole.

In the case of Right Skillful Means, a special case of Right Means, it can refer to the means we use to lead others to follow the Dharma respecting their own beliefs and ways of life.
For example, in dealing with Christians, is counterproductive to speak against their beliefs; the skillful thing to do is to respect their beliefs and show how they also support the same moral principles and precepts, and also include the work to benefit sentient beings. Or simply don’t tell our kids that there are onions and carrots in the sauce.

In this way, Right (Skillful) Means embody right action/conduct.

3. Are right Conduct and Action the same thing?

I agree with Jishin that conduct is broader than action.

Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah

[Shokai]

Beautiful, Thank you, all of you

Right means, right action
Guide us like the North Star's light
Shining bright in wisdom's might

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai


Tairin
Sat today and lah