Author：Sheng-yen Lu
Publisher：True Buddha Prajna Treasury
Publication Date：2021/03/04
Language：Traditional Chinese
Suitable for ages ：All ages
Click on the button to proceed：Click here to read further
Summary：
Living Buddha Lian-sheng Sheng-yen Lu
Book 282
Sacred Encounters with Bodhidharma
Preface
Early 2020, in the studio on the 2nd floor of the True Buddha Foundation Offices in Seattle, USA, I (Sheng-yen Lu) painted ten portraits of Bodhidharma. At first I only wanted to paint one but when Master Lianzu heard about the portrait, he asked for it. After that, Master Lianseng requested one; and then Master Lianman the 3rd one; Master Lianchuan the 4th; …; Reverend Lianyun, the 9th; and Reverend Lily, the 10th portrait!.
Although people continued to request Bodhidharma’s portrait, I eventually had to say, “Stop!” I explained that “I am very happy to paint Bodhidharma’s portrait! But it becomes tiresome when I must paint it day after day. I would like to paint something else for change. Otherwise, Bodhidharma is the only topic on my mind!” It is because of my objection that people finally stopped making the request.
However, Bodhidharma had already been deeply imprinted in my mind and I was unable to erase it. His thick eyebrows, large eyes, full forehead, beard, … and it was his perceptive eyes that seemed to see through all worldly phenomena especially intrigued me.
I finally met Bodhidharma in the realm of Heavens and the Great Beyond. At first glance I recognized him! Bodhidharma, the Patriarch of Zen, the 28th Patriarch of the West, and Patriarch of the East. He flew before me (like a swallow swooping into the forest)! I trailed behind him (like a star chasing the moon).
He said, “Follow me!”
I replied, “Of course!”
Bodhidharma appeared very calm and collected; he was not poised to cross a river on a reed, sit on a lotus seat riding on a cloud, or fly like a garuda. He just looked natural.
He led me into a cave which seemed familiar to me. Bodhidharma said, “This was Venerable Sariputra’s cave in Vulture Peak.”
I replied, “Yes.”
“Originally, I wanted to take you to the cave in Shaoshi Mountain where I faced the wall and meditated for nine years. Later however, I felt it would be more meaningful to take you to Sariputra’s cave.”
“How are they different?”
“Actually, they are not different, I just wanted you to return to yourself. Make you aware that everything is a dream. They are dream bubbles so you won’t become attached and deluded.”
“Thank you, Bodhidharma!”
(This book is all about the conversation between Bodhidharma and I and the Buddhist allegory within. May this book enrich your mind.)
Contact Sheng-yen Lu
17102 NE 40th Ct.,
Redmond WA 98052
U.S.A.
Dec. 2020
Book 282, Sacred Encounters with Bodhidharma, Chinese Version Released on March 4, 2021
You are now formally a member. Please sign in to fully utilize your privileges.
We will send an authentication letter to your registered email account. Please verify that you have received the letter in your inbox. The authentication letter will be mailed within 5-10 minutes after registration. If you do not receive the authentication letter, please check if the letter is located in Spam.
English