The sixty-fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

65) The Sixty-fifth Gate: The Power of Mindfulness

The power of mindfulness* is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not [blindly] go along with others. (Nishijima/Cross)

The ability of mindfulness is a gate of realizing dharma; it does not blindly go along with others. (Tanahashi)

*[Power of mindfulness: great or marked ability to keep aware; heedful:

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize the power of mindfulness,
That we may not be blind followers.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How does the power of mindfulness lead us not to be blind followers?

2. What re the benefits of not following others blindly.?

3. Write a new capping verse.

Capping Verse:

When the world grows dark
We follow
The light from within

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Tokan]

Hi everyone - sorry missed a few due to work/life commitments.

1. How does the power of mindfulness lead us not to be blind followers? - To me, blindly following suggests there is no evaluation of either the behaviour or the consequence - aka - no insight! Mindfulness requires that gentle and constant self-reflection that ensures each step we take is kinder and leads us closer to realising our vows.

2. What are the benefits of not following others blindly.? - That we are independent in the dharma and experience the joy of insightful and mindful living.

3. Write a new capping verse.

Not blinded by either
light or darkness,
The Middle Way is clear


Gassho, Tokan

satlah

[Jishin]

The sixty-fifth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

1. The power of mindfulness allows us to be more aware and present in the moment, which enables us to see things as they are without being influenced by external factors or other people's opinions. By being mindful, we can make conscious decisions based on our own values and beliefs, rather than blindly following the crowd.

2. Not following others blindly allows us to cultivate our own unique perspective and approach to life. We can think critically, make informed decisions, and live authentically without being swayed by external pressures or the expectations of others. This can lead to a greater sense of self-awareness, confidence, and personal fulfillment.

3.

With mindful eyes, we see
The path that's true and free
Unwavering, we chart our course
With clarity and inner force

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. How does the power of mindfulness lead us not to be blind followers?

I think there can be a tendency to submit to an authority and maybe not think critically about what we are reading/hearing. Mindfulness is like a pause where we can stop and give ourselves the space to consider what that authority is saying

2. What re the benefits of not following others blindly.?

With this practice experiential knowledge is crucial. We have to do the work for ourselves. As Kodo Sawaki says “ You can't even trade a single fart with the next guy. Each and every one of us has to live out his own life.”.

I am the only one who can sit on my cushion


Tairin
Sat today and lah