The one Hundred and third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

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  • Shokai
    Treeleaf Priest
    • Mar 2009
    • 6393

    The one Hundred and third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

    103) The one Hundred and third Gate; Accomplishment of the state of dhāranī

    Accomplishment of the state of dhāranī is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we hear the Dharma of all the buddhas and are able to receive and retain it. (Nishijima/Cross)

    Accomplishing dharani is a gate of realizing dharma; it hears and maintains the dharma of all buddhas. (Tanahashi)

    Gate Gatha:
    May we, together with all buddhas;
    Practice the state of dhāranī
    That we may receive and retain the Dharma of all the buddhas.

    Reflection Prompt:

    Describe the state of dharani. How does one know when they have arrived?

    Capping Verse:
    Words show us the way
    Yet through sound
    We are transported


    gasso, Shokai
    stlah
    合掌,生開
    gassho, Shokai

    仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

    "Open to life in a benevolent way"

    https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/
  • aprapti
    Member
    • Jun 2017
    • 889

    #2



    [emoji1374] aprapti


    sat

    hobo kore dojo / 歩歩是道場 / step, step, there is my place of practice

    Aprāpti (अप्राप्ति) non-attainment

    Comment

    • Tairin
      Member
      • Feb 2016
      • 2804

      #3
      Thank you Shokai


      This gate is an interesting one. We know Jundo doesn’t give much value to dhāranī and therefore it isn’t practiced here at Treeleaf. I can’t say I know much about this at all but I can see how the rhythmic almost drone like sound of a dhāranī might bring comfort and in a community a sense of belonging and connection.


      Tairin
      Sat today and lah
      泰林 - Tai Rin - Peaceful Woods

      All of life is our temple

      Comment

      • Shokai
        Treeleaf Priest
        • Mar 2009
        • 6393

        #4
        but I can see how the rhythmic almost drone like sound of a dhāranī might bring comfort and in a community a sense of belonging and connection
        hey Tairin; You touch on a valid point. I have had the experience of both Chanting the heart sutra and dharanis within a group of native Japanese Voices. I can't remember there being a difference. Both experiences do give one a feeling of community. I have yet to discuss this with my granddaughter who holds a masters degree in Music therapy but, when I do you'll be the first to hear.

        gassho, Shokai
        合掌,生開
        gassho, Shokai

        仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

        "Open to life in a benevolent way"

        https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/

        Comment

        • Naiko
          Member
          • Aug 2019
          • 842

          #5
          state of dharani
          This phrasing is very confusing to me. Granted, I know little of dharani—they are spells? Are they like mantra? If so, I could see that chanting could produce a very concentrated state where one becomes the words. Were they a great part of practice in Dogen’s time?
          Gassho,
          Naiko
          st

          Comment

          • Shokai
            Treeleaf Priest
            • Mar 2009
            • 6393

            #6
            Naiko; I would not think they are spells. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines the dharani thusly:
            dharani, in Buddhism and Hinduism, a sacred Sanskrit phrase of great efficacy, used as a verbal protective device or talisman and as a support or instrument for concentration. The dharani is a short summary of the essential doctrine contained in a much longer sacred text and serves as an aid to its retention. Properly recited, the dharani conveys the same merit as reading the entire work. The meaning of a dharani is often very difficult to determine and may sound to the uninitiated like a string of meaningless words, the accuracy of which is, nevertheless, carefully guarded when passed on from teacher to pupil.
            I would imagine they were used in Dogen's time as much as today; some temples use them, some don't.
            In retrospect, above I stated that I wasn't aware of any difference between chanting the Heart Sutra and Dharanis but, I must admit I didn't understand the Heart Sutra as well as I do now. However, in light of the above definition, the Heart Sutra is also a short summary of the essential doctrine contained in a much longer sacred text.

            Hope that's helpful.
            gassho, Shokai
            合掌,生開
            gassho, Shokai

            仁道 生開 / Jindo Shokai

            "Open to life in a benevolent way"

            https://sarushinzendo.wordpress.com/

            Comment

            • Tairin
              Member
              • Feb 2016
              • 2804

              #7
              I’ll be curious to hear what your granddaughter has to say Shokai


              Tairin
              Sat today and lah
              泰林 - Tai Rin - Peaceful Woods

              All of life is our temple

              Comment

              • Naiko
                Member
                • Aug 2019
                • 842

                #8
                Originally posted by Shokai
                Naiko; I would not think they are spells. The Encyclopedia Britannica defines the dharani thusly:
                I would imagine they were used in Dogen's time as much as today; some temples use them, some don't.
                In retrospect, above I stated that I wasn't aware of any difference between chanting the Heart Sutra and Dharanis but, I must admit I didn't understand the Heart Sutra as well as I do now. However, in light of the above definition, the Heart Sutra is also a short summary of the essential doctrine contained in a much longer sacred text.

                Hope that's helpful.
                gassho, Shokai
                Thank you, Shokai. That is helpful!
                Gassho,
                Naiko
                st

                Comment

                • Shonin Risa Bear
                  Member
                  • Apr 2019
                  • 923

                  #9
                  Use a sight to center.
                  Use a taste to center.
                  Use a touch to center.
                  Use a scent to center.
                  Use a sound to center.
                  Use movement to center.
                  Use the absence of any of these to center.
                  Center without use.

                  "An appropriate response."

                  gassho
                  ds sat, some lah too.
                  Visiting priest: use salt

                  Comment

                  • RobKen

                    #10
                    I remember doing a retreat where my friend commented on "hearing" the silence. i suppose I thought dharani to be a "roaring silence" of emptiness, and sounds in chants and instruments which tune us into that sound can slowly lead us through a gateway?

                    gassho,

                    Robert
                    sat today

                    Comment

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