The Eighty-eighth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

88) The Eighty-eighth Gate: The precepts pāramitā

The precepts pāramitā is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we distantly depart from the hardships of evil worlds, and we teach and guide precept-breaking living beings. (Nishijima/Cross)

The realization of precepts is a gate of realizing dharma; it keeps away the hindrance of unwholesome paths and guides sentient beings who have broken the precepts. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Actualize the Sila Paramita
That we may be a light unto all beings

Reflection Prompts:

1. Explain how knowing the precepts helps us to avoid unwholesome paths and teach precept breakers.?

2. Write a new Gate Gatha.

3. Comment on the Capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

Well-tended gardens
Still grow weeds
But they don't get far

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

With precepts as our guide,
We journey towards the light,
Leaving behind the darkness
And the hardships of the night.

We teach and guide,
Precept-breaking souls,
Leading them towards the truth,
Helping them achieve their goals.

Our garden may grow weeds,
But with diligence and care,
We can keep them in check,
And the garden we can share.

For the path to enlightenment,
Is paved with ethical conduct,
May we embody the precepts,
And be a beacon of the Dharma, induct.

Well-tended gardens,
May still grow weeds,
But with precepts as our guide,
We can sow the seeds.

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[aprapti]

[emoji1374] aprapti


sat

[Shokai]

Well-tended gardens,
May still grow weeds,
But with precepts as our guide,
We can sow the seeds.