The eighty-sixth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

86) The Eighty-sixth Gate ; Development

Development is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we realize all dharmas concerning the root of good. (Nishijima/Cross)

Improvement is a gate of realizing dharma; it leads to attaining all wholesome roots. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Be diligent in our practice
That we may realize the root of good in all dharmas

Reflection Prompts:

1. Development and Improvement are not necessarily the same but similar. How do they both helpto realize wholesome roots?

2. Write a new Gate Gatha.

3. Comment on the Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

Flowers grow and bloom
By being
Nothing but themselves

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1.

In the garden of life, where paths intertwine,
Development and improvement entwined like a vine.
As the seeds of our actions take root in the soil,
With nourishment and care, wholesome roots start to coil.

Through the gate of development, we expand and we grow,
In the light of Dharma, our true nature we know.
With improvement, we refine, shedding layers of strife,
Cultivating virtues, and embracing the wholesome in life.

Together, these gates illuminate the way,
Guiding us to the root of good, where it lay.
For when we develop and improve, we come to see,
The essence of our being, pure and free.

2. New Gate Gatha:

In harmony with all sentient beings,
May we tread the path of growth and grace,
Unearthing the wholesome roots within,
As we journey through this boundless space.

3. Comment on the Capping Verse:

In the dance of existence, petals unfurl,
Revealing the beauty of simply being, a wondrous whirl.
For in each flower's essence, the truth does reside,
A reflection of nature's wisdom, from which we cannot hide.

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

everything is perfect as it is,
but still can grow..

(free after Shunryu Suzuki)


[emoji1374] aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. Development and Improvement are not necessarily the same but similar. How do they both help to realize wholesome roots?

Practice. Practice. Practice.

I was going to borrow the same quote from Shunryu Suzuki as Aprapti. It seems appropriate here.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

P.S. I am following along with the Gates but don’t always have time to respond.