Reality

When Bodhidharma first came to China, over a thousand years ago, it was during the reign of the emperor Wu. Bodhidharma was dressed and appeared to be a street bum, in those days considered a thief. Yet he was brought before the court and the emperor anyway. At the time of his appearance he wore one shoe upon his head. The emperor, on seeing Bodhidharma, wished only to be rid of him as quickly as possible. This he tried to do by friendly conversation with the monk. However, Bodhidharma interrupted him and said, "Ask the question?"

Wu could not help but inquire about the shoe on his head.

Bodhidharma replied: "The shoe serves a purpose. Either you must be straightforward right from the beginning with your questions or it is the last time you will see me."

Wu began by saying: " I have always built great temples, created schools, funded monks and their works, and aided the poor and needy. What is my reward?"

Bodhidharma replied: "Nothing. You have been exploited. Your motives are like your shadows which your follow aimlessly."

Wu switched tacks then and said: "What is the essence of your teachings?"

Bodhidharma replied: "There is nothing holy. There is only emptiness."

Bodhidharma's answer was simple and direct, but Wu was not capable of understanding it. The reality we seek is completely independent of words, religion and dogma. Our attachment to right and wrong, religion and philosophies hinder our ability to grasp the true essence of reality and create the problems we encounter in life. Sight comes only when we look into our own reality.