傳法正宗記 5.13

5.13

The Venerable Bodhidharma was a native of southern Tianzhu, belonging to the kṣatriya caste. Originally named Bodhitāra, he was also called Dharmatrāta. His father, named Sugandha, was the king of that realm, and Bodhidharma was the king's third son. Naturally lofty and superior by nature from birth, he was exceptionally peerless. Although living at home, the sons were already capable of turning toward Buddhist principles. When Prajñātāra preached the Dharma at the royal palace, he met him. Soon, when answering Prajñātāra's inquiry about the meaning of the jewel, his talent and eloquence shone forth with clear discernment that accorded with principles. Prajñātāra marveled at him and silently recognized him as a Dharma vessel. When his father passed away, he took leave of his brothers and left household life under Prajñātāra, saying: 'I have never cared for royal status, and wish to benefit beings with the Dharma. Yet having found no teacher, I have waited for a long time. Now meeting the Venerable, my determination to leave household life is set. I pray you receive me with compassion and wisdom.' Prajñātāra accepted his homage and shaved his head, saying: 'When you entered samādhi earlier, you were in the samādhi of solar brilliance. You have already attained universal insight into all dharmas; now it is fitting to name you Bodhidharma.' He assembled holy monks to confer the full precepts upon him. At that moment, the earth shook three times, and the bright moon appeared by day. The Venerable soon attained the fruit [of enlightenment]. From then on, the customs of that kingdom called him Dharmatrāta, or Prince Bodhi. He then served his master for more than forty years, after which Prajñātāra entrusted the Dharma to him, further instructing the Venerable: 'For now, teach in this kingdom. Later, in Cīnasthāna, you will have great causal affinity. However, you must wait until sixty-seven years after my nirvāṇa before you may go east. If you go hastily, I fear you will wither under the sun.' Having received his instruction, the Venerable asked Prajñātāra again: 'If I go east, will there be difficulties in that land after a thousand years? Will I find a great Dharma vessel to succeed our way?' Prajñātāra said, 'Where the Dharma goes, those seeking the Dharma will be as plentiful as rice, hemp, bamboo, and reeds, beyond count. Yet in that realm, sixty-odd years after my nirvāṇa, a difficulty will surely arise with the water-patterned cloth; skillfully subdue it. But when you arrive in the south there, you must not stay immediately, for their ruler currently delights in conditioned acts, and I fear he will not believe you. Listen to my verse:'