The Seventy-second of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

72) The Seventy-second Gate: Entrustment as a part of the state of truth

Entrustment 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 letting go are a gate of realizing Dharma; they discern actions. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Practice Entrustment as a part of the state of truth,
That our conduct may be surely managed.

Reflection Prompts:

1. How do entrustment or letting go both give way to controlled behaviour?

2. Write a new Gate Gatha.

3. Comment on the Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

Trust in the Dharma
When all fades
It alone remains

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. Entrustment and letting go can lead to controlled behavior because they both involve surrendering control or attachment to a certain outcome. When we entrust something or someone to the universe or a higher power, we release our need to control the situation and trust that things will work out as they should. Similarly, when we let go of attachments, we free ourselves from the burden of constantly trying to manipulate or control our experiences. This can lead to a more peaceful and controlled state of mind and behavior.

2. New Gate Gatha:

Cultivating compassion towards all beings,
Opens our hearts to the world around us,
May we see the interconnectedness of all things,
And act with kindness and love in all we do.

3. The Capping Verse reminds us of the importance of trust in the Dharma, even when everything else seems to be fading away. The Dharma, or the teachings of the Buddha, can serve as a constant and reliable source of guidance and support, even in difficult times. Trusting in the Dharma can help us stay grounded and focused on what is truly important in life, rather than getting caught up in temporary or fleeting concerns.

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai!

1. Entrustment means to stop trying to control and exert power over reality and trust reality as it is. It leads to letting go of our need of control and find joy in reality as it is. It leads to “controlled behavior” in the sense of practicing the Precepts naturally (control over our egoic tendencies, not over reality).

2. New Gate Gatha:

Entrusting reality,
May we, together with all Buddhas,
Act with compassion and loving-kindness
Letting go of our need of control.

3. Trust in the Dharma remains keeping us in the Path when all skillful means fail,

Gassho,
Tai Do
Satlah