The Forty-fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

45) The Forty-fifth Gate: knowledge of names and forms.

Knowledge of names and forms is a gate of Dharma illumination; for it clears away many obstacles.(Nishijima/Cross)

Knowing names and forms is a gate of realizing Dharma; it removes various hindrances. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Clarify our understanding of names and forms,
That we may be assured of a clear path.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How does knowing Names and forms clear away the hinderances?

2. Give an example?

3. Re-write the Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

A map without forms
Is merely
A piece of paper

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

The Forty-fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

1. Knowing names and forms refers to the understanding of the nature of reality and how it appears to us. In Buddhist philosophy, everything is considered to be impermanent and constantly changing. By recognizing this, we can see through the illusions and distractions that can prevent us from realizing the truth of our existence. This understanding can help remove hindrances such as attachment, ignorance, and craving, and lead to a clearer path towards enlightenment.

2. For example, if we recognize the impermanence of material possessions, we can reduce our attachment to them and find peace and contentment in life. By understanding the impermanence of our thoughts and emotions, we can be less affected by them and maintain a more balanced and calm state of mind.

3. Re-written Capping Verse:

With all buddhas, we unite,
Our knowledge of names and forms, to clarify,
To be free of hindrances, and find light

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Anchi]

[Shokai]

Hey Jishin, What are you going to do with all the extra Motorbikes now?

gassho, Shokai

[Jishin]

Hey Jishin, What are you going to do with all the extra Motorbikes now?

gassho, Shokai

In my journey through life's winding roads,
I've collected many motorcycles, it shows.
But as a Buddhist, I seek inner peace,
And material possessions bring only cease.

So I'll let go of these machines with pride,
And find joy in the act of giving aside.
For in sharing with others, I'll find true wealth,
And my heart will be filled with joy and good health.

I'll use the money from their sale with care,
To help those in need, and show I'm aware.
Of the suffering in the world, and my part,
To bring comfort, love and joy to every heart.

This act of giving, I know will bring,
A sense of purpose, and happiness within.
For as a Buddhist, I seek not material gain,
But peace and contentment, and to ease pain.

So I'll let go of these motorcycles with grace,
And find joy in the act of giving and space.
For in doing so, I'll find my true self,
And fulfill my Buddhist journey, and help others as well.



[emoji3]

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. How does knowing Names and forms clear away the hinderances?


I could be completely off base here but my immediate thought when reading this Gate is how giving something a name or it has this form or that form immediately transforms that something into a fixed thing. That fixed image is the one i carry around with me and may limit my understanding of that something by colouring it with my perceptions

2. Give an example?

Before one studies Zen, mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after a first glimpse into the truth of Zen, mountains are no longer mountains and waters are no longer waters; after enlightenment, mountains are once again mountains and waters once again waters.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Veronica]

Zen names and practices are like the guiding words on the general map of Zen, and allow a deeper understanding and connection. To me this is suggesting that I should literally learn some Zen names (old masters, history...) and forms (practices, rituals). This will overcome some obstacles as it will give me a clear path to follow that has worked for others. I have not really delved into history and rituals yet, and so perhaps this is why I read it this way.
Veronica
Stlah

[Shokai]

So I'll let go of these motorcycles with grace,
And find joy in the act of giving and space.
For in doing so, I'll find my true self,
And fulfill my Buddhist journey, and help others as well.

Beautiful !! You're like a juke box; put in a seed and out cames a verse.

gassho, Shokai

[Shokai]

Veronica;
It looks like you're catching the Bodhicitta bug.

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Tokan]

Hi all

1. How does knowing Names and forms clear away the hinderances? - Well I don't think knowing in the conventional English sense clears away the hindrances. To me this would be complimentary of other aspects of practice, recalling that these gates all merge into the one gate that is no gate but remains a gate. So as part of that bigger picture of practice, knowing names and forms would, to me, foster greater clarity regarding the hindrances. I wonder if, in the original language, the term namarupa was used, as this has other implications in this regard.

2. Give an example? - Beginners Mind is a great thing to have acquired a 'name and form' in my opinion. Understanding that Beginners Mind is just that, enables some of its aspects to be seen as potential obstacles or hindrances, such as pride in one's practice or Zen 'demeanour.'

3. Re-write the Capping Verse.

A dharma gate
has name and form;
wipe your shoes and enter!


Gassho, Tokan

satlah

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai!

1. How does knowing Names and forms clear away the hinderances?

By showing us that our mind creates division of reality by naming forms and leading us being both name and form.

2. Give an example?

By naming someone a mother, I live out all the other things she also is and all the connections with all other things that are not her kids.

3. Re-write the Capping Verse.

Name and Form
Two edges of the same blade
Manjushiri’s sword

Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah

[Shokai]

[Shokai]

these gates all merge into the one gate that is no gate but remains a gate.

Remember to close the gate as you wipe/remove your shoes