10 Aug 2026
First pass
Whether the Emperor is asking a question or making a claim, and whether "I don't know" is a refusal or an answer.
Sinosophy · Perennial Favorites
Key passages from the readings that I will be returning to again and again.
Emperor Wu of Liang asked the great master Bodhidharma, "What is the highest meaning of the holy truths?" Bodhidharma said, "Empty, without holiness." The Emperor said, "Who is facing me?" Bodhidharma replied, "I don't know." Blue Cliff Record, case 1
Whether the Emperor is asking a question or making a claim, and whether "I don't know" is a refusal or an answer.