“One of the most famous legends spun about Bodhidharma is that the seeker Huike patiently stood deep in the nocturnal snow outside the old master’s cave, yearning for instruction. He finally hacked off his own left forearm and presented it as a demonstration of his sincere aspiration for complete enlightenment. Bodhidharma told Huike: “This enlightenment is not to be sought through another.” Huike begged to have his agitated self or mind pacified. The sage retorted, “Show me your self and I will pacify it.” Huike said “I’ve sought it many years but can’t get hold of it.” Bodhidharma then declared: “There! It is pacified once and for all!” Upon hearing this, suddenly Huike completely awakened to his transcendent True Nature before/beyond the ego-self. He was free in/as his Ever-Free Nature.”