This week’s topic for reflection is the Third Great Bodhisattva Vow, Dharma Gates are numberless, may we enter them all. This vow describes the awareness, functioning and activity of Bodhisattvas.
The first part, Dharma Gates are numberless, describes the situation. Dharma is the teaching of Buddha. Everything and every situation, without exception or exclusion is Dharma. Gates implies they are opportunities to be entered and passed through. They are also numberless, meaning of all types, everywhere and continuously changing. Delusions are included. They are teachings of Buddha because they are all, in their essence, expressions of truth.
Our Buddha Nature is simply, I am not separate from all that is. This means there is no separation created by ownership, subject and object. This is also the view of the Bodhisattva. Dharma gates are entrances and exits. The activity of entering is the activity of leaving, transitioning without gain or loss, coming or going. Seeing through delusions is entering Dharmas.
Dharma gates can be past traumatic events that are still alive within us. As you are able, enter into them and feel them. You are not a victim of them, as if it's something outside being done to you. Choosing to be with how you feel takes courage and patience. Hold it as if it’s in an open hand, not a tight fist. Allow it to come and go. Be kind and forgiving to yourself for feeling whatever it is. If you need help reach out to a good therapist. As you do this hard work you become larger and more open, stronger and more transparent. The trauma may never completely disappear. As you get to know the trauma better it will begin to loose its power over you. Entering this gateway you’ll be able to see through it.
In zazen enter into the Dharma Gate of the breath. Go for a leisurely walk and notice. Sit on a park bench and notice. Everything is one big Dharma Gate. It’s your chance to be alive. Enter the Dharma Gate of life.
Please join us on Zoom for morning zazen from 7:00 to 7:30 Tuesday and Thursday, in person Zen meditation in Eugene Saturday morning at the McNail-Riley house from 9;00 to 11:00 and Sunday morning Zoom zazen and discussion of the topic for reflection blog from 8:00 to 9:00 Pacific Time. Here’s the Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 811 6100 3357
Passcode: 278259
Gassho,
Futai
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