The Ninety-fourth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

94) The Ninety-fourth Gate: The four elements of sociability

The four elements of sociability are a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with them] we accept all living beings and, after we have attained [the truth of] bodhi, we bestow the Dharma upon all living beings. (Nishijima/Cross)

The four methods of guidance are a gate of realizing dharma; they include all sentient beings, help them to be enlightened, and offer them dharma. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Cultivate the four elements of sociability
That we may be a light unto all beings

Reflection Prompts:
1. What are the four elements of Sociability (hint) *

2. How do they assist in accepting all living beings

3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

Capping Verse:

True practice begins
The moment
We rise from our seat

* Shobogenzo Fasc. 45(Nishijima-Cross); Fasc. 46(Tanahashi)

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[aprapti]

[emoji1374] aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

1. What are the four elements of Sociability

From the Nishijima/Cross translation of Shobogenzo

“ The four are dāna, free giving; priya-akhyana, kind speech; artha-carya, helpful conduct; and samana-arthata, identity of purpose, or co-operation. “

2. How do they assist in accepting all living beings

I think they are all aspects of generosity…. Giving of ourselves to others through our words, thoughts, and actions. By seeing beyond ourselves and to all beings

3. Write a new Gate Gatha.

May we, together with all buddhas;
Practice the four elements of sociability
So that we benefit all beings


Tairin
Sat today and lah