The Fifty-fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

55) The Fifty-fifth Gate: The Dharma as an Abode of Mindfulness

The Dharma* as an abode of mindfulness is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] wisdom is free of blurs. (Nishijima/Cross)

The ground of mindfulness of dharma is a gate of realizing dharma; it leads to wisdom with no obscuration. (Tanahashi)

*[Dharma: The Law; essential quality or character, as of the cosmos or one's own nature]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Reflect on the essence of the Dharma
That we may clarify our understanding of Reality 'as it is.'

Reflection Prompts:

1. How does Dharma as an abode of mindfulness lead to wisdom with no obscuration?

2. Explain the phrase "The ground of mindfulness ."

3. Write a new apping Verse.

Capping Verse:

All things clear or not
Are just that
Some are clear, some not

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. The Dharma as an abode of mindfulness leads to wisdom with no obscuration because mindfulness allows us to focus our attention on the true nature of reality. When we practice mindfulness, we are able to observe our thoughts and experiences without being carried away by them. This allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the Dharma, which is the essential quality or character of the cosmos and our own nature. By being mindful of the Dharma, we can gain wisdom that is free of blurs or misunderstandings.

2. The ground of mindfulness refers to the foundation or basis upon which mindfulness is practiced. It is the starting point for our practice and the foundation for our understanding of the Dharma. By being mindful of the Dharma, we are able to develop a deeper understanding of reality and gain wisdom that is free of obscuration.

3. New Capping Verse:

In mindfulness, we find the way
To wisdom, clear and bright as day
The Dharma shines, its truth revealed
In this abode, our minds are healed

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[Nengyoku]

I'm gonna do these a little out of order, because it's the only way I can make my brain work.

2. I see "abode" and "Ground" being used as a synonym for foundation here. The foundation of mindfulness of dharma is our Zazen practice. The practice itself is the foundation of our awareness of the Dharma. The Dharma is the wisdom that we find in our practice. It's circular.
By sitting Zazen we truly find the peace of oneness, the Dharma.

And so:
1. the foundation of that oneness is a gate of realizing that oneness; it leads to oneness.

3.

When all things are clear
None of them are
If the treasury of your mind's eye fills
how can you see out of it?

Reminds me of Socrates':
“The ancient Oracle said that I was the wisest of all the Greeks. It is because I alone, of all the Greeks, know that I know nothing.”

Gassho,
Nengyoku
SatLah

[aprapti]

mindfulness makes me realize:
it is not what is is, that's why it is.


aprapti


sat

[Shokai]

it is not what is is, that's why it is.

[Tokan]

Hey all, hope ya'll having a good day

1. How does Dharma as an abode of mindfulness lead to wisdom with no obscuration? - Dharma is all things, dharma can be no other than an abode of mindfulness. Yet here we are, in duality, calling the dharma an abode of mindfulness. We do not ask to be born, we are not born 'practitioners' in the way we would normally understand the term. The twin-edged blade of mindfulness and dharma interact, the seeing of reality as it truly is, beyond form and emptiness; removing blurs and obscurations from wisdoms natural path.

2. Explain the phrase "The ground of mindfulness ." - Ground is just that, solid but 'giving', i.e. allowing movement. I do not think of the ground of mindfulness and a fixed and static point of reference. It is a practice as much as it is a 'place'. The practice opens up the ground for us to be mindful from, and the ground gives us the stability to deepen our mindful practice. When I assume the posture of Gotama Buddha, I have the opportunity to occupy the ground of mindfulness

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

The cataracts are gone,
my eyes see once more,
but not what they saw before!


Gassho, Tokan

satlah

[Veronica]

Paying attention to dharma allows us to more fully know dharma. Ain't that the simple truth.

Veronica
stlah

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai!

1. How does Dharma as an abode of mindfulness lead to wisdom with no obscuration?

As the Dharma encompasses everything, all the Teachings, the phenomena, all of Reality, it knows no limit, no obstruction. To take the Dharma as a foundation of mindfulness is to open the gate for unlimited wisdom.

2. Explain the phrase "The ground of mindfulness ."

I take it to be the foundation of mindfulness, the basis from which mindfulness can arise.

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

All attention on the moment
No attention on the moment
Dharma encompasses it all


Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah