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But the silent master was cautious enough to try the sincerity of the new visitor before admitting him to the Meditation Hall. According to a biography of his, Shang Kwang [the visitor] was not allowed to enter the temple, and had to stand in the courtyard covered deep with snow. His firm resolution and earnest desire, however kept him standing continually on one spot for seven days and nights with beads of the frozen drops of tears on his breast. At last he cut off his left arm with a sharp knife, and presented it before the inflexible teacher to show his resolution to follow the master even at the risk of his life. Thereupon Bodhidharma admitted him into the order as a disciple fully qualified to be instructed in the highest doctrine of Mahayanism.
Page 31, The Religion of the Samurai by Kaiten Nukariya.
