In 536 BC, Bodhidharma felt it was time to depart. He gathered his disciples and said, “Share your understanding of enlightenment.”
Daofu said, “In my view, one should neither cling to words nor abandon them. This is the wondrous function of the Dao.”
Bodhidharma replied, “You have attained my skin.”
Bhikshu Zongchi responded, “My present understanding is like Ananda beholding the Buddha-land—once seen, it need not be seen again.”
Bodhidharma commented, “You have attained my flesh.”
Daoyu said, “The Four Elements are empty, the Five Aggregates do not exist. In my view, not a single dharma can be grasped.”
Bodhidharma said, “You have acquired my bones.”
Finally, it was Shenguang’s turn. He simply bowed in reverence and returned to his seat, and remained silent.
Bodhidharma declared, “You have inherited my marrow!”
Thus, Shenguang (Huike) became the Second Patriarch of Chan Buddhism, entrusted to carry forward Bodhidharma’s mission of liberating all beings.
Cultural & Philosophical Notes:
- Skin, Flesh, Bones, Marrow: These metaphors symbolize deepening levels of spiritual insight, with “marrow” representing the essence of Chan’s direct transmission beyond words.
- Four Elements & Five Aggregates: Core Buddhist concepts deconstructing material and mental existence, emphasizing impermanence and non-self (anātman).
- Ananda’s Vision: A reference to Ananda, the Buddha’s cousin and attendant, whose enlightenment involved transcending dualistic perception.
- Silence as Ultimate Truth: Huike’s wordless bow embodies Chan’s teaching that true awakening lies beyond intellectual discourse—a “mind-to-mind” transmission.
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