The audience did not understand the gesture . only mahakasyapa smiled with understanding at this revelation . this is the chinese ancient saying about " mahakasyapa smiling at the buddha holding up a flower " 有一天,释迦牟尼佛在灵山法会,手举一朵莲花,大众那个时候都不晓得是什么意思,只有摩诃迦叶会心微笑,我们中国讲拈花微笑。