After leaving Nanjing, Bodhidharma, also known as Da Mo in Chinese, crossed the Yangtze River and arrived at the Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain. There, he sat facing a wall all day, concentrating deeply and withdrawing from all worldly concerns.
In 520 CE, a monk named Shenguang (later known as Huike, the Second Patriarch of Chan) stood motionless outside Bodhidharma’s cave through a snow-filled night, seeking the Dharma.
Bodhidharma asked: “You have stood in the snow all night—what is it you truly desire?”
Shenguang replied: “I beg you, Master, to open the gate of sweet dew (Dharma) and save all beings. Please teach me the truth of Buddhism!”
Bodhidharma said: “All Buddhas devoted endless aeons to attain supreme enlightenment. With such shallow resolve, how can you hope to grasp the great Dharma?”
Hearing this, Shenguang drew a blade and severed his left arm as proof of his determination.
Bodhidharma then said, “The Buddhas value the Dharma so greatly that they do not regard their bodies as real bodies, nor their lives as real lives. To sever an arm in pursuit of truth is a worthy act.”
Shenguang said, “Master, please pacified my mind.”
Bodhidharma replied, “Bring your mind here, and I shall calm it for you.”
Shenguang responded, “I have searched for it for a long time, but I cannot find my mind.”
Bodhidharma said, “If you could find it, how could it truly be your mind? I have already pacified your mind. Do you understand now?”
Shenguang replied, “I understand. All phenomena are originally empty and still; therefore, the Bodhisattva abides without attachment, and only through non-attachment can one reach the shore of Nirvana.”
Recognizing Shenguang’s awakening, Bodhidharma accepted him as his disciple.
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