The Fifty-first of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

51) The Fifty-first Gate: Realization of Nonappearance

Realization of nonappearance* is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we experience the truth of cessation. (Nishijima/Cross)

Not having to arouse patience is a gate of realizing dharma; it realizes the truth of eliminating [causes of suffering]. (Tanahashi)
*[Nonappearance: otherwise known as nirvana]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Be mindful of nonappearance,
That we may experience the truth of cessation.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Is "Not having to arouse patience " similar to Nirvana?

2. Does realization lead directly toelimination?

3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

Extinguishing self—
Every day
A brand new sunrise

gassho,Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. Yes, "Not having to arouse patience" is similar to Nirvana. Nirvana is often described as a state of peace and freedom from suffering, and not having to arouse patience can be seen as a way to reach this state by eliminating the causes of suffering.

2. Realization can lead directly to elimination, in the sense that understanding the true nature of things can help us let go of the causes of suffering. However, it may also require continued effort and practice to fully embody this realization and bring about the elimination of suffering.

3. Here is a new Gate Gatha:
May we, with wisdom and compassion,
Embrace nonappearance,
And awaken to the truth of cessation.

Capping Verse:
Transcending duality—
Each moment,
A brilliant realization

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[Nengyoku]

I would say that the phrase "Not having to arouse patience" is not similar to Nirvana so much as it IS Nirvana. To stop seeking elsewhere, or in this case another time. What have you to wait for other than now?

Realization only leads to the cessation of suffering if we act (non-acting) upon that realization.
It is all too possible to understand this thing intellectually and not put it in to practice. For this, we must continue to sit.

May we, together will all buddhas;
Embody nonappearance,
A guide to cessation for those around us.


What good is a light without the darkness?
Light the path.

Gassho,
Nengyoku
Sat

[Nengyoku]

Thank you again, Shokai, for maintaining this practice for each of us.
I am ever grateful for this.

Gassho,
Nengyoku
Sat

[aprapti]

day after day Shokai's Dharma gate..
cannot wait for the next one..
but patience is nirvana



aprapti

sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. Is "Not having to arouse patience " similar to Nirvana?

I think so. Nirvana is generally recognized as the the state of awakening, enlightenment, or the realization of reality. In that state I believe there would be no reason for needing to arouse patience. With what would we be impatient?

2. Does realization lead directly to elimination?

I assume we are talking about the elimination of suffering as stated in the Tanahashi translation…. In that case I th8nk yes. True realization would mean seeing through or beyond suffering. Not ignorant or oblivious to suffering but through realization we’d see the root causes of suffering.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Veronica]

This gate concept seems to refer to timelessness, or acceptance of the current state. For example, my neighbour has apparently gotten a new set of drums. When I think about the "start of drumming", the "stopping of drumming", the "why oh why did he get drums", that's all suffering. But if I am in this moment, and this moment has drums, and perhaps all moments have drums, and there is no start/stop, then there is less suffering.

The drum did not appear
It has never existed
Yet is always here

Veronica
stlah

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai.

1. Nengyoku took my words.

2. If by realization we don’t mean only intellectual understanding, but actually to make it real in our body-mind and life, than it does not only lead to cessation, but is cessation itself.

3. May we, together with all Buddhas,
Realize nirvana in our body and mind,
So to bring cessation to all suffering for all sentient beings.

Gassho
Tai Do
Satlah

[Nengyoku]

Thank you, Shokai.

1. Nengyoku took my words.

2. If by realization we don’t mean only intellectual understanding, but actually to make it real in our body-mind and life, than it does not only lead to cessation, but is cessation itself.

3. May we, together with all Buddhas,
Realize nirvana in our body and mind,
So to bring cessation to all suffering for all sentient beings.

Gassho
Tai Do
Satlah

The words will always be ours to share.

Gassho,
Nengyoku
SatLah