The true picture of human life is one of innocence，sprightliness, freedom，and naturalness. However，the more man's views increase in number, the meaner his heart becomes, and consequently his original state of being is lost. Therefore，the Sixth Patriarch said："The Buddhadharma is in the world; awakening cannot be separated from the world." He urged us to awaken，to gain clarity regarding our minds, to behold our nature，and to realize directly the original state of human existence.
The ten-chapter Platform Scripture which records how the Great Master Hui-neng spread the Dharma, was compiled by the Patriach's disciples. It is not only a pivotal text for the Ch'an School，but slao one of the most refined products of Chinese culture. It promotes a type of Buddhism which is active in the world by expounding how truth lies in the commonplace and how one attains Buddhahood by beholding one's nature.
After the T'ang Dynasty，Ch'an Practicioners and literati spread the thought of the Platform Scripture，and in many cases chose its most popular stories as themes for their paintings. This genre is general called "Sixth Patriarch Ch'an Painting". Its aim is to provide spontaneous guidance according to the demands of each unique situation.
