One monk asked: “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?

The master said: “Had he had a purpose, he could not even have liberated himself.”

The monk asked: “If he had no purpose, how could the Second Patriarch attain the Dharma?”

The master said: “To attain is not to attain.” The monk asked: “If it is not to attain, then what is the meaning of not to attain?”  The master said: “It is because you are running about seeking everywhere and cannot put your heart at rest that the patriarchs say ‘My, the fellow with his head on his shoulders is looking for his head!’ When on hearing this you turn your own light in upon yourself, and do not seek for anything special, you will know that in your body and heart you do not differ from the patriarchs and Buddhas. All at once you will have nothing further to seek. That is what is called attaining the Dharma.

…

In this podcast:

• A brief description of the life and role of First Patriarch Bodhidharma
• The difference between purpose and meaning
• Acting not as ‘I’ want but responding to the needs of the situation.
• The Buddha nature is inherent; there is not need to look outside