Blue Cliff Record (Hekiganroku, Biyan Lu) #1
Book of Serenity (Shoyoroku, Congrong Lu) #2
Emperor Wu Asks Bodhidharma
Emperor Wu of Liang asked Great Master Bodhidharma,
“What is the ultimate meaning of the holy truth?”
Bodhidharma said, “Vast and void, no holiness.”
The emperor said, “Who are you facing me?”
Bodhidharma said, “I don't know.”
The emperor did not understand.
Finally, Bodhidharma crossed the Yangtze River.
Tenkei's Comment:
Ultimately, Bodhidharma does not know Bodhidharma, the emperor does not know the emperor. When they meet, they do not know each other. Even Shakyamuni Buddha and Vairochana Buddha do not actually know. Is the Buddha's Heart Seal something that can be transmitted, or is it ungraspable? Grab your nose and find out.