I ordered this book here for the next set of Koans:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157062870X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
However, this appears to be another translation of it. Are your familiar? Is the Hoffman translation better?
Yeah but Sterling CC licensed it just after publication so it's available freely in about every e-book format known. It's a pretty niche piece, but I assure you it's also very well researched and is a compelling narrative throughout for anyone interested in the history of the pre-internet.
From a Qigong perspective, Dr. Yang Jwing Ming would argue that skin, flesh, bones and marrow have a literal meaning. Boddhidharma is credited with the creating of Yi Jin Jing (Tendon/Muscle Changing Classic) and Xi Sui Jing (Marrow/Brain Washing Classic) for the Shaolin monks to practice.
Yi Jin Jing (I practice a contemporary version of this) is the more "external" form that stretches tendons/joints/muscles and improves Qi circulation.
Xi Sui Jing (disclosure: I've only read about this form) is where you use your Qi to nourish the brain for the purposes of attaining enlightenment. Whereas Yi Jin Jing worked the outsides of your body, Xi Sui Jing is supposed to scrub the marrow in the bones; with the spine being the most important as it leads to the brain.
Huike was the disciple that was practicing at the level of cleaning his bone marrow through qigong meditation. This might not be of interest to people who don't care about Qi in their practice but I thought I'd offer a different take on the case.
Source: Dr. Yang Jwing Ming