The Sixty-first of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

61) The Sixty-first Gate: The Faculty of Balance

The faculty of balance* is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] the mind is pure. (Nishijima/Cross)

The root of samadhi** is a gate of realizing dharma; it keeps the mind pure. (Tanahashi)

* [Balance: mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment]
**[Samadhi: The highest stage in Meditation, in which one experiences oneness with the universe]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Develop balance in ourPractice,
That our minds may be pure.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Compare the root of samadhi with the faculty of balance.

2. How do these lead to a pure mind?

3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

Steady and stable
A clear mind
Stays out of the mud

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. The root of samadhi and the faculty of balance are both qualities that contribute to mental purity. Samadhi refers to a state of deep concentration achieved through meditation, while balance denotes a stable and calm mental state. Both are important in developing mindfulness and cultivating a focused, clear mind.

2. When the mind is balanced and steady, it is less prone to being disturbed by external events or internal thoughts and emotions. This makes it easier to achieve deep concentration and enter into a state of samadhi. In turn, this heightened state of awareness helps to further purify the mind and eliminate mental impurities.

3. Gate Gatha:

May we find balance in each moment,
As we journey along the path,
With a steady mind and open heart,
May we awaken to the truth within

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Shokai]

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. Compare the root of samadhi with the faculty of balance.

Well they seem to refer to the same thing although the “root of samadhi” appears to be more of an exceptional state whereas “faculty of balance” seems like something more applicable to our daily actions

2. How do these lead to a pure mind?

By living in balance we aren’t pulled to extremes. We are able to approach like with calm and equanimity

Living in balance and equanimity
We are able to avoid being pulled to extremes
Keeping the mind pure


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai!

1. Like Tairin said, the faculty of balance is something we can practice and apply in all aspects of our daily life, while the root of samadhi seems to apply to zazen sittings.

2. Both balance and samadhi deals with equanimity. Being able to maintain emotional stability is essential to having a mind that is pure and free from hindrances like greed, anger, envy and the like.

3.

May we, together with all Buddhas,
Practice the faculty of balance,
So that we keep equanimity
Sitting and acting in our daily life.


Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah