The Fifty-eighth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

58) The fifty-eighth Gate: The Faculty of Belief

The faculty of belief* is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not [blindly] follow the words of others. (Nishijima/Cross)

The root of trust** is a gate of realizing dharma; it does not follow others’ words. (Tanahashi)

*[Belief: confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof]
**[Trust: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing]

Gate Gatha:
May we, together with all buddhas;
Reflect on and clarify our beliefs,
That we may not become as sheep.

Reflection Prompts:

1. In light of the differing meanings, are we at the same Gate?

2. Irregardless , how does belief or trust contribute to not following others' words?

3. Write a new Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

With faith comes practice
With practice
Comes steadfast belief

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

The Fifty-eighth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

1. The different translations of this gate suggest that the gate is focused on either the faculty of belief or the root of trust. Despite the different words used, both translations emphasize the importance of not blindly following the words of others, which is a common theme throughout the Gates of Dharma Illumination. Therefore, we can say that we are at the same gate, but approaching it from different angles.

2. Belief and trust are closely related, as both involve having confidence in something or someone. When we have strong beliefs or trust in something, we are less likely to be swayed by the opinions or words of others. We can use our own judgment and experience to determine what is true and meaningful for ourselves, rather than blindly following what others tell us to believe.

3. New capping verse:

Belief, a lantern bright
Illuminates the dark night
Guiding steps aright

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for this new Gate!

1. Belief and trust are related and can be thought of as synonyms if we put blind belief/faith aside. Thus, we are I. The same Gate. As Jishin said, we are looking até the Gate from different angles.

2. When we have trust and believe in our convictions, we are not easily persuaded by everything we hear or read, we are not moved as cattle with the masses.

3.
Living life
Anchored on the Dharma Reef
Waves come and go


Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

I think Jishin and Tai Do said it well. I have nothing more to add


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Shokai]