TEN
One day a monk asked the master Seigen Gyoshi: What was the intent when master Bodhidharma went from India to China?
Seigen Gyoshi said He just acted like he was.
The monk said: Could you repeat what you just told me in terms I can understand?
Seigen Gyoshi said: Come here.
The monk approached the master.
Seigen Gyoshi said, clearly Remember this!
Commentary Nishijima Roshi:
The first question of the monk was a standard among students Buddhists asked why Bodhidharma came to China to bring the Buddhist teachings. The question is really about the fundamental purpose of the Buddhist life. Master Seigen Gyôshi said that the behavior of Bodhidharma was just what he was. He did what he did. His behavior was a simple historical fact, which followed the circumstances of his time and the proper character of Bodhidharma.
course, one can find meaning and significance to the actions of Bodhidharma, but in response to questions from the monk, the master chooses to emphasize the simple goal of the behavior of Bodhidharma.
The monk did not understand this answer and wanted a more detailed explanation, the teacher asked him to get up to approach him. While doing this, the master said: "Remember this clearly!".
master's intention here is to get the monk to forget his abstractions a moment, and simply noted the reality of this simple action. Just walk just act naturally in response to real demands of the situation. That is why Bodhidharma left India for China. That is the heart of the teachings he transmitted.
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