This calligraphy is from Mitsugi Saotome’s calligraphy teacher, and it is displayed beautifully along with others in the foyer of the entrance. It is not only an honor to display these calligraphies in the dojo, for members, and patrons, but also the many visitors and guests that come to visit daily.
Encounter with Emperor Xiāo Yǎn 蕭衍
The Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall says that in 527, Bodhidharma visited Emperor Wu of Liang (Xiāo Yǎn 蕭衍, posthumous name Wǔdì 武帝), a fervent patron of Buddhism:
Emperor Wu: “How much karmic merit have I earned for ordaining Buddhist monks, building monasteries, having sutras copied, and commissioning Buddha images?”
Wikipedia Entry on Bodhidharma
Bodhidharma: “None. Good deeds done with worldly intent bring good karma, but no merit.”
Emperor Wu: “So what is the highest meaning of noble truth?”
Bodhidharma: “There is no noble truth, there is only emptiness.”
Emperor Wu: “Then, who is standing before me?”
Bodhidharma: “I know not, Your Majesty.”[33]
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