41/108 Gates of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

The Forty-first Gate

Enjoyment of the meaning of the Dharma is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we seek the meaning of the Dharma.

View Image

Gassho, Shokai

[Yokai]

Both in school and in my kids I see: enjoyment of subject aids thirst for learning aids broader and deeper understanding aids more enjoyment of subject and so on...it's a positive feedback loop.

Sometimes the initial enjoyment is spontaneous. Sometimes it involves shifting of mental barriers to kickstart it. A year ago I'd have shuddered at sewing. Now post-rakusu making, I love it! It's a wonderfully immersive process of Dharma illumination!

Gassho, Yokai (Chris) sat/lah

[Shokai]

Both in school and in my kids I see: enjoyment of subject aids thirst for learning aids broader and deeper understanding aids more enjoyment of subject and so on...it's a positive feedback loop.

Sometimes the initial enjoyment is spontaneous. Sometimes it involves shifting of mental barriers to kickstart it. A year ago I'd have shuddered at sewing. Now post-rakusu making, I love it! It's a wonderfully immersive process of Dharma illumination!

Gassho, Yokai (Chris) sat/lah

[Seikan]

Yokai's reflection above is quite similar to how I view this Gate. Experiencing and then seeking more of the joys that the Dharma offers—this seems like the best sort of "attachment" that one can have.

True Dharma brings joy—
Just one taste
And we’re hooked for life

Gassho,
Seikan

-stlah-

[Nengei]

Finding meaning in the Dharma
Brings a gentle rain of realization
And relief.

Gassho,
Nengei
Sat today. LAH.