Odd Zen Images
The image of Bodhidharma I am most familiar with shows him with his eyes fixed wide in deep meditation, but every so often I come across a depiction that has him looking extremely apprehensive--as if he's fearing an attack from an unseen enemy. Then recently I saw a painting of Ikkyu looking much the same; he was peering to his right, his lips pursed in a distinct grimace. Is there a tradition in Zen imagery of representing the patriarchs in this fashion? Is it meant to illustrate some principle?
Thanks
Ben Persons
"Kimi ga yo wa, ama no hagoromo mare ni kite."