Huineng, also known as the Sixth Patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, is a revered figure in the history of Buddhism. He is known for his teachings on the concept of "sudden enlightenment" and his contributions to the development of Chan Buddhism. One of the most significant aspects of Huineng's legacy is his famous poem on the wall, which has become a symbol of his teachings and influence.

The poem on the wall is said to have been written by Huineng himself when he was staying at the Shaolin Temple, where he was seeking guidance from the Fifth Patriarch, Hongren. The poem is a reflection of Huineng's understanding of the essence of Chan Buddhism and his teachings on the nature of enlightenment.

The first line of the poem, "Bodhi is originally without any tree," is a reference to the concept of "original enlightenment" in Chan Buddhism. According to this concept, all beings are inherently enlightened, and the goal of practice is not to attain enlightenment, but to realize it within oneself. By stating that Bodhi, or enlightenment, is not dependent on any external factors, Huineng emphasizes the importance of looking within oneself for enlightenment.

The second line, "The bright mirror is also not a stand," further emphasizes this idea by using the metaphor of a mirror. In Chan Buddhism, the mind is often compared to a mirror, which reflects the true nature of reality without any distortion. Huineng's statement that the mirror is not a stand suggests that the mind should not be attached to any fixed ideas or concepts, but should be open and clear like a mirror.

The third line, "Fundamentally there is not a single thing," speaks to the concept of emptiness in Buddhism. Emptiness refers to the idea that all phenomena are ultimately without any inherent existence or essence. By stating that there is not a single thing, Huineng is pointing to the illusory nature of the world and emphasizing the importance of seeing through this illusion to attain enlightenment.

The final line, "Where could any dust be attracted?" is a metaphor for the mind that is free from attachments and delusions. In Buddhism, dust is often used as a symbol for attachments and defilements that obscure one's true nature. By asking where dust could be attracted, Huineng is challenging his students to let go of their attachments and see through the illusion of the world.

In summary, Huineng's poem on the wall is significant because it encapsulates the core teachings of Chan Buddhism in just four lines. It emphasizes the importance of looking within oneself for enlightenment, having a clear and open mind, understanding the concept of emptiness, and letting go of attachments. The poem serves as a reminder of Huineng's profound wisdom and continues to inspire and guide students of Chan Buddhism to this day.