The Fifty-seventh of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

57) The Fifty-seventh Gate: The Four Bases of Mystical Power

The four bases of mystical power* are a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with them] the body-and-mind is light. (Nishijima/Cross)

The four types of fulfillment are a gate of realizing dharma; they lead to lightness of body and mind. (Tanahashi)
*The four bases of mystical power / acting at will :
1) chanda (volition),
2) vīrya (effort),
3) citta (intelligence),
4) mīmāṃsā (profound consideration)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Reflect on acting at will,
That we may remove weight of decisions

Reflection Prompts:

1. How do the four basis of Mystical power lighten the body and mind?

2. In what way are these four powers mystical?

3. Write a new Verse.

Capping Verse:

All things in balance
We walk on
Leaving no footprints

gassho,Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

The Fifty-seventh of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

1. The four bases of mystical power help to lighten the body and mind by providing a framework for intentional action. Chanda, volition, provides direction and purpose, Vīrya, effort, provides energy and motivation, Citta, intelligence, provides clarity and wisdom, and Mīmāṃsā, profound consideration, provides depth and understanding. By working together, these four bases create a powerful force that can drive us towards our goals and help us to overcome obstacles and challenges.

2. These four powers are mystical because they go beyond the physical and mental realms and tap into our innermost desires, motivations, and aspirations. They allow us to tap into our inner strength and unleash our full potential, enabling us to achieve great things and experience profound joy and fulfillment.

3. A new verse:

With strength in our hearts and clarity in our minds,
We unleash the power of our soul,
With chanda, vīrya, citta, and mīmāṃsā,
We reach for the stars and never let go.

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[Shonin Risa Bear]

gassho
ds sat/lah

[aprapti]

1) chanda (volition),
2) vīrya (effort),
3) citta (intelligence),
4) mīmāṃsā (profound consideration)

well, that's quite a lot


aprapti


sat

[Veronica]

These 4 words when taken together describe steps toward wisdom or enlightenment. This would lighten the body/mind and provide clarity and guide our decisions/actions.

It seems the word "mystical" could be replaced with "spiritual". Not necessarily mystical in a magical sense. That also makes a better match with the translation of fulfillment.

A moment of wisdom
Can prevent
Many moments of pain.

Veronica
stlah

[Shokai]

Mystical: obscure in meaning; mysterious

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai!

1. Like Jishin and Veronica said, the four basis of mystical power allow us to act and fulfill our true potential, which is to fully express our buddha-nature and act on the Precepts, Bodhisattva Vows and Brahmaviharas.

2. The four basis are mystical because they are a mysterious fountain of energy, motivation, inspiration and determination in our walking the Path.

3.
Walking the Path
Nowhere to arrive
Effortless effort


Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah