六祖大師法寶壇經 1.53

1.53

公曰：「弟子聞：達磨初化梁武帝，帝問云：『朕一生造寺度僧、布施設齋，有何功德？』達磨言：『實無功德。』弟子未達此理，願和尚為說。」

The Governor said: "Your disciple has heard that when Bodhidharma first converted Emperor Wu of Liang, the Emperor asked him: 'Throughout my life I have built temples, ordained monks, practiced giving, and hosted vegetarian feasts. What merit and virtue do I have?' Bodhidharma said: 'Truly there is no merit and virtue.' Your disciple has not understood this principle; I pray that the upādhyāya will explain it for me."