A Zen Story
When the Emperor heard that a highly attained monk from India has arrived in China he quickly call the monk to court.
The monk was Bodhidharma. The Emperor was a great supporter of Buddhism in China then and had built Buddhist temples, supported the Sangha and did many generous deed.
When Bodhidarma arrived at the court the Emperor eagerly asked him.
“I have built many temples, supported the Sangha, built many roads and bridges so how much merits have I accumulated?”
“None”, answered Bodhidharma.
The emperor was really pissed off and dismissed Bodhidharma from the court.
Later he called his Buddhist spiritual adviser to court and the upset Emperor complained to him.
“The monk Bodhidharma doesn’t know anything about Buddhism. When I asked him how much merits I have gained by supporting the sangha, building temple, bridges and roads he said none!”
The spiritual adviser paused for a moment and clasped his hands in respect of Bodhidharma although he had already left and said to the Emperor.
“Bodhidharma is indeed a great master, when he answer none it is because you have greed for merits. One perform generosity without expecting anything in return.”
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