Bodhidharma sat facing the stone wall.
The Second Patriarch, Suika, stood long in the thick snow. Finally, he severed his own arm and presented it to Bodhidharma. He said, “Your student cannot pacify his mind. You, the First Patriarch, please, give me peace of mind!” The First Patriarch replied, “Bring that mind, I will calm it down!” The Second Patriarch said, “I search for it everywhere, but I cannot find it!” Bodhidharma replied, “I have already pacified it for you!”
Student: “Why did Bodhidharma sit facing the stone wall?”
Master: “Because there was nothing else to be seen.”
Student: “How did he pacify the Second Patriarch, Suika’s mind?”
Master: “He just showed the stone wall to him.”
Commentary:
Do you want to see the stone wall that Bodhidharma showed to the Second Patriarch?
Break down the wall before you and it will reveal itself.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway http://ow.ly/i/wzQ5a
Zen Fools 