Meaning: This quote is attributed to Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk who is traditionally credited with bringing Chan Buddhism to China and is regarded as the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism. The quote reflects the essence of Buddhist teachings and the concept of transcending the illusion of the self and the material world.

In the quote, Bodhidharma emphasizes the idea that the six senses and the five aggregates are not inherently real. This concept is rooted in the Buddhist understanding of the nature of reality and the human experience. According to Buddhist philosophy, the six senses refer to the traditional five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—along with the mind, which is considered the sixth sense. The five aggregates, also known as the skandhas, represent the components that make up a person's sense of self: form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.

Bodhidharma's assertion that these aspects of human experience are "fictions" speaks to the idea that they are not permanent, independent entities. Instead, they are impermanent and interdependent, lacking inherent existence. In Buddhist philosophy, this understanding is central to the concept of emptiness (Sunyata), which asserts that all phenomena are devoid of intrinsic nature or self-essence. This view challenges the conventional understanding of a fixed and enduring self, as well as the external world as inherently real and solid.

The statement "that no such things can be located anywhere in the body" further underscores the teaching of non-self (Anatta) in Buddhism. Anatta asserts that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul within an individual. Instead, the human experience is characterized by a continuous process of interdependent arising, with no fixed, unchanging essence to be found within the body or mind.

Understanding the language of Buddhas, as mentioned in the quote, suggests a deep comprehension of these fundamental Buddhist teachings. The language of Buddhas refers to the wisdom and insight that transcends conventional perceptions and grasps the nature of reality as it truly is. This understanding is not merely intellectual but transformative, leading to liberation from the cycle of suffering and the realization of enlightenment.

Bodhidharma's teachings and this quote, in particular, are foundational to Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes direct realization and experiential understanding over reliance on scriptures or theoretical knowledge. The quote encourages practitioners to go beyond conceptual understanding and directly perceive the nature of reality through their own experience and insight.

In the context of meditation and spiritual practice, this quote serves as a reminder to cultivate mindfulness and insight into the impermanent, interdependent, and ultimately empty nature of existence. By recognizing the illusory nature of the senses and the aggregates, practitioners can develop a deeper understanding of the transient and interconnected nature of phenomena, leading to a profound shift in their relationship to themselves and the world around them.

In conclusion, Bodhidharma's quote encapsulates the essence of Buddhist teachings on impermanence, non-self, and emptiness. It invites practitioners to transcend the illusory nature of the senses and the aggregates, leading to a deep understanding of reality and the language of Buddhas. This understanding is not merely intellectual but transformative, paving the way for liberation and enlightenment.