The Sixty-third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

63) The Sixty-third Gate: The Power of Belief

The power of belief * is a gate of Dharma illumination; for it surpasses the power of demons. (Nishijima/Cross)

The ability to trust is a gate of realizing dharma; it excels all demonic power. (Tanahashi)

*[Power of Belief: great or marked ability to have confidence in the truth or existence of something]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize the power of belief,
That our beliefs may surpass the power of demons.

Reflection Prompts:

1. What do you imagine is the power of Demons ?

2. How does Belief or Trust overcome the power of Demons?

3. Your choice, Capping Verse or Gate Gattha .

Capping Verse:

Luminous belief
Dispels all
Our darkest shadows

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. The power of Demons can be interpreted in different ways depending on one's beliefs or culture. In some traditions, demons are seen as malevolent supernatural beings that tempt, deceive or harm humans. In others, they represent inner negative tendencies such as greed, anger, or ignorance. They may also symbolize external challenges or obstacles that prevent spiritual progress.

2. Belief or trust can overcome the power of demons in various ways. On one hand, it can provide a sense of refuge or protection from harmful influences by relying on the guidance and support of higher powers or spiritual practices. On the other hand, it can cultivate inner strength, clarity, and compassion that counteract the causes of suffering and negativity. By having faith in one's innate wisdom and the interconnectedness of all beings, one can transform fear and doubt into confidence and joy.

3.

Gate Gatha:

May we have faith in ourselves and the universe,
Believing in our potential and the interdependence of all things,
Overcoming doubt and fear with the power of belief.


Capping Verse:

The seed of belief
Can bloom into a garden
Of infinite possibilities

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[paulashby]

I view demons as the distractions that tempt us to create suffering for ourself or others.
This week is the beginning of Lent for Christians when they focus on the temptations-or
distractions of power, fame and gain that Jesus had to face and overcome. It is not all that
different from the distractions set before Buddha by Mara. To become obsessed or possessed
by the energy of power, fame or gain can lead to some very destructive choices. One could
even say demonic without any belief in characters from the Bible or tv series Supernatural.
In Tibet, Buddhism was embraced for its power to overcome the native demons with conversion
to the dharma. In Zen the adversaries became protectors of the dharma.
I have difficulty taking demon stories as anything more than fables but the evidence of
obsession leading to destruction is in every demonic mass shooting.

Gassho,peace,Paul Ashby sat lah

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. What do you imagine is the power of Demons ?

Greed, anger, delusion and all the ways they manifests.

2. How does Belief or Trust overcome the power of Demons?

In my case it is trusting this process and the belief that this path is the right way to live my life. Living in accordance with the Precepts teaches me that there is a better, more meaningful way to live.


Belief, like a torch
Shines a bright light
And dispels the power of demons


Tairin
Sat today and lah