In addition, the "Three Gates" also represent faith, understanding, and practice{5}. Not necessarily represented in the form of three gates, it can also mean the three ways to liberation{6}: wisdom, compassion, and skillful means. The three ways to liberation are the three practices adopted by bodhisattvas to cultivate their bodhicitta:

1.The gate of wisdom{7}: it requires wisdom to know when to advance or retreat, and to realize emptiness and non-self. Relying on wisdom, one shall seek happiness not just for the self but also others, and be away from greed and attachment.

2.The gate of compassion{8}: compassion means to make others happy, while loving-kindness means relieving others from suffering. The practice of loving kindness will enable one to provide peace and happiness to all sentient beings; and the practice of compassion will liberate all sentient beings from suffering.

3.The gate of skillful means{9}: One should regard uprightness as principle and conventional ways as skillful means. Show a sympathetic mind towards all sentient beings through the principle of uprightness, and discipline oneself by staying clear of offerings and respect shown to one’s body and mind.





【Key Words】

{5} Faith, understanding, and practice：

信、解、行

{6} Three gates of liberation：三解脫門

{7} The gate of wisdom：智慧門

{8} The gate of compassion：慈悲門

{9} The gate of skillful means：方便門