The Fiftieth of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

50) The Fiftieth Gate: The Sense Organs.

The sense organs* are a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with them] we practice the right way. (Nishijima/Cross)

Entering is a gate of realizing dharma; it leads to the practice of the right path. (Tanahashi)
*[Sense organs: Eye, Ear, Nose, Tongue, Body and Mind]

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Contemplate the use of our senses,
That we may sharpen our intentions.

Reflection Prompts:

1. Why do the senses play such an important role in our practice?

2. How does "entering" relate to the sense organs?

3. Write a new |capping Verse.

Capping Verse:

As we sense the world
We live it
Where else could we be?

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Jishin]

1. The senses play an important role in our practice because they provide us with the means to experience and interact with the world. Through our senses, we are able to observe and understand the world, which is a crucial step towards enlightenment. Our senses also provide us with the opportunity to engage with the world in a way that leads us towards a deeper understanding of the Dharma.

2. "Entering" refers to the act of becoming aware of and engaging with the world through our senses. This leads to the practice of the right path, which is the path towards enlightenment. The sense organs provide us with the means to enter into a deeper relationship with the world and to understand the Dharma more fully.

3. Capping Verse:

Senses open wide
World embraced within
Enlightenment path
Peace and joy begin

Gassho, Jishin, ST, LAH

[Nengyoku]

1. The senses are the way by which we observe the world around us. As we practice and that barrier between self and other erodes, the senses become the way we observe ourself.

2. When we observe a thing, it becomes a part of our story and us a part of its story. Or at least, we become aware that it is this way. We enter into the dharma gate of that thing. When I see a tree, feel its rough bark, hear its leaves rustle in the breeze, those observations allow me to explore the teaching the tree has to offer.

3.

I am the dust on the mirror
The tile being polished
Where else could I be?

Gassho,
Nengyoku
SatLah

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai.

1. Why do the senses play such an important role in our practice?

2. How does "entering" relate to the sense organs?

The senses form the basis of our practice because they give us the material for it. The perceptions that come from the senses are what we practice with, are what we don’t attach to and what we are equanimous toward.
Everything we interact with enter in our minds by the six senses. Entering seems to refer to the way we interact with things, being aware of, like Jishin put it.

3. Write a new |capping Verse.

Entering the senses
The world becomes us
And we become the world


Gassho
Tai Do
Satlah

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai

For #1 and #2, I don’t think there’s much more to say that wasn’t covered by Jishin’s, Nengyoku’s, and Tai Do’s responses.


Tairin
Sat today and lah