A Reason to review the Gates

A gate is a point of introduction. If one were to practice the behaviors of the 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination she/he would eventually internalize the virtues and associated outcomes in such a way as to positively influence every being they came in contact with. In essence, they would be actualizing each of their Bodhisatva vows.
For example, Buddha devoted 45 years of his life teaching/explaining the Dharma in different ways and different words to different people, according to the stage of their development and their capacity to understand and follow him; a concept referred to as 'expedient means.' But the essence of those many thousand discourses scattered in the Buddhist Scriptures is found in the Noble Eightfold Path. Now, it doesn't take much imagination to see how each of the behaviours in the 16 gates that we've reviewed so far, relate to that same Eightfold Path. And for that matter, how they all relate to the Bodhisattva Vows received in the Jukai ceremony to be held again next week=end.
In reviewing the 108 Gates of Dharma Illumination every year at this time, It is my intention to provide an opportunity for each of us to examine our behaviours with a mind of not only deepening our own practice but, to allow us opportunities to project our very own unique Buddha Natures; that others may see the beauty of the Dharma.

gassho, Shokai

stlah

Than you Shokai gassho1

I personally have benefited from this practice, and look forward to it every year.

May we all together benefit all beings.


Gassho,
Geoff.

SatToday
LaH

Thanks for explaining a bit more about the gates. I have been enjoying reading them but I have been wondering how to apply them in practice. For example, how does one 'actualize joy'?

Gassho
Lucy
ST/LAH

I've also enjoyed daily reading the blog. Is this from some book?

Sat2dAY/LAH

Lucy;

Quote:

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how does one 'actualize joy'?

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Fake it til you make it; Smile !!
This may sound a bit offish but, in truth it does work.
Your experience in life is totally virtual and your mind is the controller.
For a long long time now I have realized that 99% of life is attitude.
Nothing is ever as bad as you can imagine.
If these sound like platitudes, I apologize but, it's worked for me for over seventy some years.
I regard the 'gates' as affirmations that can change your life.

And Tom, to answer your question, the 108 Gates of dharma Illumunation comprise
an appendix to the end of book IV in Nishijima Roshi's Translation of Dogen's Shobogenzo.
Google '!08 Gates of Dharma Illumination' and enjoy

gassho, Shokai

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lucy

Thanks for explaining a bit more about the gates. I have been enjoying reading them but I have been wondering how to apply them in practice. For example, how does one 'actualize joy'?

Gassho
Lucy
ST/LAH

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Joy is an expression of play. Let’s play the happy game. Your turn.

:-)

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shokai

And Tom, to answer your question, the 108 Gates of dharma Illumunation comprise
an appendix to the end of book IV in Nishijima Roshi's Translation of Dogen's Shobogenzo.
Google '!08 Gates of Dharma Illumination' and enjoy

gassho, Shokai

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I found the complete book as a pd pdf at http://http://www.thezensite.com/Zen...20complete.pdf

Hi Tom;

That is the site where I got the appendix from but, it doesn't seem to be there anymore. I'll do some checking and get back to you

gassho, Shokai

stlah

Hi Tom;

Here it is http://www.thezensite.com/ZenTeachin...genzo_4_NC.pdf

Appendix III. Ippyakuhachi-hōmyōmon: One Hundred and Eight Gates
of Dharma Illumination page #343

I think the link you qoute is for the Shasta Abbey version

gassho, Shokai

It’s a great series. As a matter of fact, I believe this same subject came up today in another thread ;)
https://www.treeleaf.org/forums/show...925#post216925

Gassho,
Hoyu
ST

Thanks Shokai and Jishin :)

Gassho
Lucy
ST/LAH

Thank you for clarifying the source Shokai, I've just started on Volume 1 of the Nishijima/Cross translation, so I'll to iv and the appendix. gassho1

SZIZTM lah

2022, 06, 01, realize I may not have time or ability to review 108 Gates, have selected The Eight Gates of Zen by John Daido Loore, expedient in understanding more, the Eightfold Path I have come to know through The Precepts, have studied closely this fall at Hartford, SD. US. know even after 7+ years granted to Treeleaf Zendo, teacher Jundo Cohen, study the Dharma. I only move as lay member toward Jukai again.
Gassho
sat/ lah

I have been getting a lot out of these posts, not to mention enjoying them every day. Thank you for the effort, Shokai.

Gassho,
Juki

sat today and lah

Juki; Thanks for the feedback, it helps to know folks are actually using these posts

gassho, Shokai
stlah

Quote:

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I may not have time or ability to review 108 Gates

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Charles; Remember the adage: "Whether you say you can or you say you can't; you're right !!"

gassho, Shokai
stlah

This year, I do have the time to review the 108 gates, please notify my email, and I will respond. Thank you Shokai.
Gassho
sat/ lah