English
English version In Praise of Master Bodhidharma Inscription Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan On the summit of Laṅkā Mountain, he sits like a precious sun, within whom is a golden man wearing a coarse robe. His form is like the vast earth, his essence like boundless space, his heart like clear glass, his color like pure snow. Neither polished nor refined, he is eternally pure and bright, parting the clouds and mist, his heart is thoroughly clear. Using the Puṇḍarīka flower (white lotus) to adorn himself, following conditions, he is always delighted with all things in the world. Not attached to existence, nor attached to non-existence, neither coming nor going, much learning and eloquence cannot fully describe him. Truly, emptiness, free from the duality of birth and existence, whether large or small, transcends all conditions. In an instant, he awakened to the heart of wondrous enlightenment, like scales leaping from the water, the wise sages emerge in the sea of wisdom. The truth should flow eternally like the water of Dharma, how could it only temporarily surge and then temporarily dry up? The lamp of the heart falls within the pearl of the black dragon (Lí Lóng), the blade of wisdom emitted from the white hair (Baihāo) between the eyebrows also breaks at its edge. The journey of life is like a startled bird, the eye of wisdom is also closed, the river of Chan has stopped flowing, and the bridge of Dharma is broken. No going, no coming, no right, no wrong, both forms and hearts are shattered. Whether staying or leaving, all return to stillness, within stillness, how could there be any sobbing? Using the holding of hands to transmit the lamp, the coming and going of life and death are as swift as lightning. If one can be sincere and without doubt, then even if the fire of the kalpa (劫火) ignites, this lamp of the heart will not be extinguished. The Dharma of absolute truth can be fully attained, those lost in delusion who have not awakened should stop here. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------