Bodhidharma lived in China for fourteen years. Master sent him there to spread the message of meditation. After fourteen years he wanted to go back to the Himalayas; he was old enough and ready to disappear into the eternal snows. He had thousands of disciples - he was one of the rarest people who ever lived on Earth - but he called only four disciples and told them:
“I will ask only one question: what is the essence of my teaching?” The one who gives me the correct answer will be my successor.
Silence reigned, tense anticipation. Everyone looked at the first student, who was the most learned, the most well-read. The first student said:
- Going beyond the limits of the mind - this is what your entire teaching can be reduced to.
Bodhidharma said:
“You have only touched the skin of my teaching, but nothing more.”
He turned to the second student, who said:
“There is no one who can go beyond the mind.” Everything is silence. There is no division between what is to be transcended and who is to be transcended. This is the essence of your teaching.
Bodhidharma said:
“You have touched the bones of my teaching.”
He turned to the third student, who said:
- The essence of your teaching is inexpressible.
Bodhidharma laughed and said:
- But you expressed it! You said something about her. You touched the bone marrow.
He turned to the fourth student, who had only tears in his eyes and complete silence, no answer. He fell at Bodhidharma's feet. And he recognized him as his successor, although the student did not answer anything.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru