Bodhidharma
comes from India
and he is in the court
of Emperor Wu
who throws a question at Bodhidharma

"I have constructed
places of worship;
I have served monks
and I have loved the faith:
what is my merit?
What is my reward?"

*"Nothing.
There is nothing for you
Deeds done with a motive
for pleasures or recognition
with intention
here or hereafter
they have no power in the face of truth"