The Sixtieth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

60) The Sixtieth Gate: The Faculty of Mindfulness

The faculty of mindfulness* is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we thoroughly perform many kinds of work. (Nishijima/Cross)

The root of mindfulness is a gate of realizing dharma; it leads to various wholesome actions. (Tanahashi)
*[Mindfulness: keeping aware; heedful: mindful of your duties]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Apply mindfulness in our practice
That we may thoroughly perform many kinds of work

Reflection Prompts:

1. How do wholesome actions difer from many kinds of work?

2. How does mindfulness achieve in inleadingto either of these?

3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

Fully attentive
To what is
Dharma’s work is done

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. Wholesome actions are actions that are aligned with ethical and moral principles, and aim to bring benefit to oneself and others. Many kinds of work, on the other hand, can involve both wholesome and unwholesome actions, depending on the intentions and nature of the work. Wholesome actions are motivated by kindness, compassion, and wisdom, while many kinds of work can be motivated by greed, ambition, or other unwholesome states of mind.

2. Mindfulness helps us to cultivate awareness and clarity in our thoughts, emotions, and actions, which allows us to discern what is wholesome and what is not. By being mindful of our duties and responsibilities, we can ensure that our actions are aligned with our values and goals, and contribute to the greater good. Mindfulness also helps us to see the interdependence of all things and beings, which can inspire us to act with kindness and compassion.

3. Gate Gatha:

With gratitude's heart,
We honor all who have helped.
Wisdom blooms within

New Capping Verse:

In grateful reverence,
All life is seen as a gift.
Dharma's light shines bright

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

being with the job at hand
no dharma, no no-dharma..
just this..


aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai!

1.Wholesome actions are moral actions in themselves or at least skillful actions leading to mora results, according to the precepts, the Brahmaviharas, the paramitas and the Bodhisattva vows. Many kinds of actions can refer to any kind of action.

2. Without mindfulness of our duties, we cannot direct our intentions and practices to wholesome actions.

3.
Being mindful of our intentions and duties,
May we together with all Buddhas,
Live in a wholesome way.

Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah

[Shokai]

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. How do wholesome actions differ from many kinds of work?

In this context I’d say they are the same thing although I find more meaning in the phrase “wholesome actions”

2. How does mindfulness achieve in Leading to either of these?

Without some mindfulness, actions are just actions. If we are casual about our actions then we really don’t know if they have good or bad effects. By being mindful and acting with intention we hope to do more good and avoid doing harm.

Through intention,
Through mindfulness
We aim to perform wholesome actions


Tairin
Sat today and lah