Emptiness Not Holiness

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, December 30, 2008, 16:58

Emperor Wu of China an earnest Buddhist engaged himself in noble activities conforming to Buddhism like erecting temples and monasteries, educating monks, and getting involved in philanthropic deeds.

The emperor one day asked Bodhidharma, the great Buddhist teacher : "What merit is there in my good works? "To his surprise the Master replied "None whatsoever" . The emperor continued "What is the primal meaning of Holy Reality? "The master corrected "Emptiness, not holiness". The emperor in return asked "Who then is confronting me? "The master answered in reply "I don't know" . The emperor could not grasp the teachings that were basic and bare though appearing to be camouflaged. Since he could not comprehend the reality in Bodhidharma's words, the master left the kingdom.

Emperor Wu later related the conversation to Prince Shiko an adviser who reprimanded him explaining the greatness of Bodhidharma, who was possessed of the ultimate truth. The emperor struck with regret, sent a messenger to entreat Bodhidharma back to the kingdom. But Prince Shiko said "Even if all the people in the land went, that one will never return "