Posted inGateless Gate, MC Podcasts

Teisho: Rohatsu: Gateless Gate and Doubt (Part 2 of 5)

January 19, 2017

Zen makes the mind of Buddha its foundation. It makes no gate, the gate of dharma. If it is no gate from the start, how can we pass through it? Haven’t you ever heard…things that come in through the gate are not family treasures.

gateless gate

Description: In this second talk of the Rohatus sesshin Henry continues to look at Mu with the help of Mumon’s Preface to the Gateless Gate. In this talk, Heny focuses on doubt. Pure Land Buddhism lists five types of doubt.

  1. doubt in Buddha’s wisdom
  2. doubt in the teaching
  3. doubt in the teacher
  4. doubt about the methods for following the path
  5. doubt of the sincerity of those who follow Buddha’s teaching

Henry contrasts doubt, which is generated by us, with faith, which is not generated by us—it seems to come freely from elsewhere. The talk brings in the wisdom of Mumon and the French philosopher, Rene Descartes, to further examine faith and doubt. Henry also briefly explores doubt as one of the five hindrances. He mentions that doubt is often colored by pride. Listen to this instructive talk on working with doubt as a path to awakening.

Post & Featured Image: Where Do You Want To Go? by Paul Walker, CC BY-SA 2.0.

footer support banner image

Support Mountain Cloud

You can show your gratitude for Mountain Cloud events, retreats, podcasts and other teachings by making a one-time gift, or by becoming a supporting member.

Donate to Mountain Cloud Become a Member