Good deeds done with worldly intent bring good karma, but no merit.

武帝: “How much karmic merit have I earned for ordaining Buddhist monks, building monasteries, having sutras copied, and commissioning Buddha images?”

菩提达摩: “None. Good deeds done with worldly intent bring good karma, but no merit.”

武帝: “So what is the highest meaning of noble truth?”

菩提达摩: “There is no noble truth, there is only void.”

武帝: “Then, who is standing before me?”

菩提达摩: “I know not, Your Majesty.”