From the first, not a thing is.

When Shen-hsiu (Jinshu) wrote:

"Our body is a bodhi tree,
Our mind like a dressing stand with its clear mirror;
Time upon time let us strive to wipe it clean
And let not dust nor dirt abide on it."

Hui-neng (Eno) replied:

"Bodhi is truly not a tree
Nor is the clear mirror a dressing stand;
From the first not a single thing exists,
So from where is dust or dirt to arise?"

Understand that FROM THE FIRST, NOT A THING IS and there will not be far to go.