user7460: I am not questioning the path of Zen. It just exist as it is. But I read this legend about Bodhidharma. To stay awake he cut off his eyelids and tea was flourished. Upto now I have felt tranquility in meditation. But isn't it an insane act. How people tell this story about a great Zen master? Or is it mystical way of delivering something which I am not understanding?

user-1: Usually, such extreme Zen stories are used to illustrate commitment and urgency to achieve enlightenment.
It's said that he cut his eyelids because at some point he fell asleep during meditation, a major distraction for him.
Huiko, a disciple, is said to have cut his arm to be accepted as a student by Bodhidharma.
There are many other stories, some involving cut a disciple's fingers (master Gutei Isshi), others cutting a cat in half (master Nansen Osho) and so on.
As far as factuality, I don't think these stories are believed by zen monks to have happened (at least, the ones harming another being), but their symbolism remain a strong vehicle to convey strong meanings, specially in the form of Koans.

7460: <p>I am not questioning the path of Zen. It just exist as it is. But I read this legend about Bodhidharma. To stay awake he cut off his eyelids and tea was flourished. Upto now I have felt tranquility in meditation. But isn't it an insane act. How people tell this story about a great Zen master? Or is it mystical way of delivering something which I am not understanding?</p>
 -1: <p>Usually, such extreme Zen stories are used to illustrate commitment and urgency to achieve enlightenment.</p>

<p>It's said that he cut his eyelids because at some point he fell asleep during meditation, a major distraction for him.</p>

<p>Huiko, a disciple, is said to have cut his arm to be accepted as a student by Bodhidharma.</p>

<p>There are many other stories, some involving cut a disciple's fingers (master Gutei Isshi), others cutting a cat in half (master Nansen Osho) and so on.</p>

<p>As far as factuality, I don't think these stories are believed by zen monks to have happened (at least, the ones harming another being), but their symbolism remain a strong vehicle to convey strong meanings, specially in the form of Koans.</p>
