The Sixty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

64) The Sixty-fourth Gate: The Power of Effort

The power of effort* is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not regress or stray. (Nishijima/Cross)

The ability to make effort is a gate of realizing dharma; it is not remitting. (Tanahashi)

*[Power of Effort: great or marked ability to make an earnest or strenuous attempt]

Gate Gatha:

May we together with all buddhas
Practice the power of effort
That we may not regress or stray.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How does effort maintain the stability of our Practice?

2. What sustains our effort?

3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

Not forward or back
Striving hard
To stay where we are

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. Effort is a crucial element in maintaining the stability of our practice because it enables us to stay committed to our goals and persevere through difficulties. Without effort, we may become complacent or distracted, and our practice may stagnate or even regress. With the power of effort, we are able to push through obstacles and continue to make progress on our path.

2. There are many things that can sustain our effort, such as a sense of purpose or meaning in our practice, a supportive community or teacher, and the tangible benefits we experience from our efforts. Additionally, developing a strong habit of consistent practice can help sustain our effort, as it becomes a natural part of our daily routine and requires less willpower to maintain.

3.

May we summon the power of our will,
To put forth our best effort still,
With every step and every day,
May we not falter or lose our way.

May our diligence light the path,
As we face obstacles with steadfast heart,
Through every trial and challenge met,
May our effort bring us closer yet.

With the support of all buddhas near,
We'll persevere without fear,
And find the strength we need to be,
All that we aspire to see.

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. How does effort maintain the stability of our Practice?

Without applying some effort I feel our approach to practice would be lazy, sloppy amd haphazard.

2. What sustains our effort?

Answering in my case it is a belief that this is the right path for me to follow.

With effort
Our practice
Is sustained


Tairin
Sat today and lah