The one Hundred and third of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

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

[aprapti]

aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

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

[Shokai]

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

[Naiko]

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

[Shokai]

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

[Tairin]

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


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Naiko]

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

[Shōnin Risa Bear]

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.

[RobKen]

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