The Forty-eighth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

48) The Forty-eighth Gate: hidden expedient means.

Hidden expedient means are a gate of Dharma illumination; for they are sensitive to many kinds of suffering.(Nishijima/Cross)

Subtle skillful means is a gate of realizing Dharma; it knows all forms of suffering. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize many ways of teaching,
That we may improve our sensitivity and compassion.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Describe "Hidden expedient means" or "Subtle skillful means ."

2. How do these increase our sensitivity to Suffering?

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

So often unseen
Yet the moon
Keeps the tides flowing

Gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. Hidden expedient means or subtle skillful means refer to the ability of a teacher to adapt their teaching approach to better reach and help those who are suffering. This involves using different methods, stories, or analogies to convey the teachings of the Dharma, in order to better meet the needs and understanding of the individual or group being taught. This can include using different languages, cultural references, or analogies to help the listener grasp the concepts being taught. By being sensitive to the unique needs and experiences of the listener, the teacher can more effectively help them understand the Dharma and alleviate their suffering.

2. These skillful means increase sensitivity to suffering because they allow the teacher to see and understand the suffering of others on a deeper level. By adapting their approach to the needs of the listener, the teacher is better able to connect with them and understand the specific challenges and difficulties they are facing. This increased sensitivity and understanding of suffering can then be used to more effectively communicate the teachings of the Dharma and help to alleviate that suffering.

3. A new Capping Verse:

Sensitive hands reach out,
Words of wisdom, guide the way,
Suffering release

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[Veronica]

1. Describe "Hidden expedient means" or "Subtle skillful means ."
Those words are a bit confusing. Jishin's answer helped me. A teacher gives information at the level of appropriate understanding, and in accordance with the emotional situation of the student. This can vary vastly. This teaching style is subtle, and some of the more complex information is kept hidden, or perhaps the main message is even kept hidden for some time.

2. How do these increase our sensitivity to Suffering?
A teacher who is watching for emotional states and readiness will naturally improve at sensing suffering. This is unlike a teacher who simply preaches the same to everyone, all the time, without noticing whether the student is truly learning.

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

Begin with a candle
Before the full truth
Is revealed in light.

Veronica
stlah

[aprapti]

just a smile
more is not needed
to mitigate suffering..


aprapti


sat

[Anchi]

[Tokan]

Hey there

1. Describe "Hidden expedient means" or "Subtle skillful means ." - Like the responses already provided, I consider these to be the thoughtful responses or instructions provided to students by their teachers. Only when one truly listens can you understand the best way to communicate with another person.

2. How do these increase our sensitivity to Suffering? - Truly listening, and formulating subtle skilful means, shows that empathy and compassion are in full flight. It is like the fine-tuner on an old fashioned radio, producing a clearer sound compared to the standard tuner. The skilful means are skilfully matched to the fine-tuning of the suffering, and has a positive feedback loop to increase that sensitivity.

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

The echoes of suffering
are skilfully heard
and cut in two with a blade - ha!


Gassho, Tokan

satlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai.

1. Describe "Hidden expedient means" or "Subtle skillful means ."

Others pointed out the teacher’s use of expedient//skillful means, but we lay people can also use them when dealing with different persons and their different backgrounds and situations.

2. How do these increase our sensitivity to Suffering?

By allowing us to better understand others and their own suffering, letting go of our preconceived ideas about what is better for them and how they should behave and live their lives.

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

Ten thousand things
Different teachings
One vehicle

Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah

[Shokai]

We are all teachers of each other


gassho, Shokai
stlah