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
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Originally Posted by Lucy
