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Patriarchs Taming Their Minds
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Patriarchs Taming Their Minds
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Patriarchs Taming Their Minds
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Patriarchs Taming Their Minds
CHINA; Five Dynasties (907–960); Attributed to Shi Ke; Ink on paper; 36.5 x 64.4 cm; Tokyo National Museum, Japan
The inscription and signature on these two pictures state that they were painted in 963 by Shi Ke. However, the signature appears to be a later addition, as the reign year of the emperor was improperly written. Thus, although the painting style resembles that of Shi, some scholars believe these works are copies of the original. They were listed as Important Cultural Properties of Japan in 1908.
The first painting is believed to depict Huike, the Second Patriarch of the Chan school. According to the Transmission of the Lamp, Huike traveled to Shaolin Temple and sought to become a disciple of Bodhidharma. When his request was denied, Huike cut off one of his arms to demonstrate his determination to learn the Dharma. Later, when Huike asked Bodhidharma for a way to tame his mind, Bodhidharma replied bring me your mind." Huike realized he could not |
