The Transmission from Bodhidharma to Huike is said to have
passed to Sengcan. We know little of Jianzhi Sengcan. A famous poem, the Xinxin
Ming is accredited to him, doubtfully, most scholars believe. From Sengcan the
Transmission was said to have continued to Dayi Daoxin, the Fourth Chinese
Ancestor.
We know quite a
bit more about Daoxin. We do not know if he ever had any real historical
contact with Sengcan. But we know that he established a large monastery with
over 500 monks. He taught the importance of the Precepts, of zazen, and of
study of the sutras. Here is an example of his Teaching style:
This text is called the Wuguan or Five Gates.
“Know this: Buddha is
this mind. Outside of this mind there is no Buddha. Briefly, I suggest that
there are five basic principles.
First: Know the
essence of mind. The essential nature is pure. The essence is Itself Buddha.
Second: Know the
function of mind. Its function gives rise to the jewel of Dharma. It functions
without obstruction, but is always still; even the ten thousand delusions are
In essence just this.
Third: Constant
Awakening is without end. The Awakening mind is always present. The Teaching of
this Awakening is without form.
Fourth: Always know
the body is empty and tranquil. Inside and outside are transparent to each
other. Your body arises In the midst of ultimate reality. There have never been
obstacles.
Fifth: Keep
unified-mindfulness without deviation. Both movement and stillness go nowhere.
Those who practice
this will clearly see their Buddha-nature and enter into the gate of practice
without hesitation.”
- Ven. Anzan Hoshin roshi, continuing teisho 8: “Robe and
Bowl” presented on September, December 2, 2000 in the series “Bodhidharma’s
Eyes.”
