虛堂和尚語錄 8.83

8.83

On the memorial anniversary of the Great Master Bodhidharma, offering incense: "'I am Heaven, you are a dog'—his spiritual mechanism and mighty eloquence, none could oppose his vanguard. At the courts of Wei and the gardens of Liang, in withered meditation facing the wall, he was able to conceal all his functions. Wearing the wordless seal of the Western Heaven, conveying the un-transmitted robe of the Eastern Land, he led someone astray into severing an arm to pacify the mind, and so brought about a mouth with missing teeth. His voice and countenance grow ever more distant; this taboo day has arrived. Lamenting that in the degenerate age the true lineage is about to sink, mindful of his lingering light, I briefly set out this meager offering. At this good month, I deeply light the censer's fragrance."