The Seventy-first of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

71) The Seventy-first Gate: Enjoyment, as a part of the state of truth

Enjoyment as a part of the state of truth, is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] conduct is already managed .(Nishijima/Cross)

Branches of joy are a gate of realizing dharma; they lead to various types of samadhi. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Practice Enjoyment, as a part of the state of truth,
That we may attain many kinds of balanced state.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How are conduct is already managed and various types of samadhi.alike?

2. In either case, how does enjoyment lead to it?

3. Write a new Verse.

Capping Verse:

Life is a wonder
Every bit
Just enjoy the ride

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. Both the management of conduct and attainment of various types of samadhi require a balanced state of mind. Enjoyment, as a part of the state of truth, can help us achieve this balance by allowing us to fully embrace the present moment and find contentment in it. This, in turn, helps us manage our conduct and maintain a peaceful mind that is conducive to deepening our practice and attaining various types of samadhi.

2. Enjoyment can lead to a balanced state of mind by helping us cultivate a sense of joy and contentment in the present moment. When we are fully engaged in an enjoyable activity, we are less likely to be distracted by worries or concerns about the past or future. This can help us maintain a clear and focused mind, which is essential for both managing our conduct and deepening our practice.

3. New Capping Verse:

Joy lights up our way
Balanced mind and conduct grow
Dharma gate opens

Gassho, Jishin, STLAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

I agree that enjoyment or joy can lead to a balanced state of mind. When one feels joy it can be like having a burden lifted. Of course we also wed to be wary of attaching to the state of joy.


The capping verse is perfect the way it is.


Tairin
Sat today and lah