The Eighty-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

84) The Eighty-fourth Gate: Reliance

Reliance is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not incline toward Small Vehicles. (Nishijima/Cross)

Dependence [on enlightenment] is a gate of realizing dharma; it keeps you from desiring the Lesser Vehicles. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Be reliant in our practice
That we may not be misled from the way

Reflection Prompts:

1. Would you agree that Reliance leads one away from Lesser
Vehicles?

2. If so, How does it achieve this?

3. Write a new Capping verse.


Capping Verse:

Trusting the Dharma
This small self
Grows a bit larger

Gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

In reliance we find our way,
No longer lost in mind's sway.
The Dharma guides us on our quest,
Towards enlightenment's peaceful nest.

Dependence on the truth within,
Is where our practice must begin.
Let go of ego's endless pull,
And find the light within your soul.

In the company of all buddhas,
We walk the path with fewer terrors.
May we rely on their wisdom bright,
And find our way towards the light.

Trusting the Dharma with all our might,
Our small self begins to take flight.
Expanding towards a greater whole,
Our spirit soars, liberated and whole.

In reliance, we find the peace,
That sets our troubled minds at ease.
May we find refuge in this gate,
And find the truth that awaits.

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

[emoji1374] aprapti


sat

[Tokan]

Hi all

Reflection Prompts:

1. Would you agree that Reliance leads one away from Lesser Vehicles? - 2. If so, How does it achieve this?

The term reliance, for me, can be taken one of two ways. Either 'reliance = dependence' (unhealthy), or 'reliance = trust' (which in the Dharma's case I would consider healthy). Reliance also seems to have an elements of faith, knowledge, and vow. The thing I don't like about the word dependence is the expectation that is attached to it. Underlying the translation, of course, is the intent, which is not always well captured in English it seems. Relying or depending on the dharma/enlightenment, in that case, then communicates trust and faith, both of which do not have much value unless tested by reality. This testing, if your faith and trust in enlightenment hold true, deters you from accepting 'lesser vehicles' or 'partial palliation' of the human condition. Trust is placed in the ultimate release from suffering no matter how long this takes.

3. Write a new Capping verse.

Through trust and faith
Dependence transforms into
Independence.


Gassho, Tokan

satlah