The Venerated Dazu Huike (vegan): Zen Dharma Lineage Protector, Part 1 of 3

The Venerated Dazu Huike, the Second Chinese Patriarch of Buddhism, was born in the city of Hulao. He became a monk at the age of 30, received the name Shenguang, meaning “God’s Light.” Let’s continue our story about Master Huike and His encounter with Bodhidharma. While Dazu Huike was teaching under name of Shenguang, He noticed that Bodhidharma sometimes nodded His head, and sometimes shook His head. Shenguang asked, “Have I said anything wrong?” “Although it is well said, what use is it?” It was December of 528 AD, and there was heavy snowfall on Mount Song. Seeking the Dharma, Shenguang trekked through the wind and snow with no regard to the freezing weather. Shenguang dared not disturb His meditation and stood amidst the heavy snow for the whole night. …Shenguang immediately used His knife to cut off His left arm, to show His determination to seek the Truth. Patriarch Bodhidharma was touched by Shenguang’s determination and accepted Him as a disciple.