Sengfu
Jap. Sofuku, (alt. sp., Dofuku)
| born: c. 490 died: c. 570 place: China |
| Chan master: Bodhidharma Chan disciples: none recorded |
| stories: Osho Ancient Music in the Pines, ch. 9 |
Sengfu was one of Bodhidharma's disciples
in the well known Zen story of "skin, flesh,
bones, and marrow". He was the one
Bodhidharma said had his "skin" (see story
below).
in the well known Zen story of "skin, flesh,
bones, and marrow". He was the one
Bodhidharma said had his "skin" (see story
below).
| oshobob The Living Workshop |
| Zen Masters |
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| After nine years, Bodhidharma, the first Zen patriarch, who took Zen to China from India in the sixth century, decided that he wished to return home. He gathered his disciples around him to test their perception. Dofuku said, “In my opinion, truth is beyond affirmation or negation, for this is the way it moves.” Bodhidharma replied, “You have my skin.” The nun Soji said, “In my view, it is like Ananda’s insight of the Buddha-land – seen once and forever.” Bodhidharma answered, “You have my flesh.” Doiku said, “The four elements of light, airiness, fluidity, and solidity, are empty, and the five skandhas are no-things. In my opinion, no-thing is reality.” Bodhidharma commented, “You have my bones.” Finally, Eka bowed before the master and remained silent. Bodhidharma said, “You have my marrow.” Truth is independent of all opinions. What you think about truth is irrelevant; in fact, because you think, you will not be able to know what is. That which is can be known only when all thinking stops, when all opinions are thrown away, put aside. So I say true, but not truth; the opinion is not wrong, it is well- informed, but it is still an opinion. Dofuku has not experienced it himself. He seems to be of the philosophical bent. He has been speculating, thinking, weaving and spinning theories... --Osho Ancient Music in the Pines, ch. 9 |