Bodhidharma

Date of Birth: Around 440 CE

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: Around 528 CE

Biography

Bodhidharma, a renowned Buddhist monk, is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China. He is also considered the father of the Shaolin martial arts. Bodhidharma was born in the southern region of India, into a Brahmin family, and later became a Buddhist monk under the tutelage of Prajnatara. He traveled to China by sea around 520 CE during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang. Upon reaching China, he found the spiritual environment lacking and retreated to the Shaolin Monastery where he meditated in a cave for nine years, facing a wall. His teachings laid the foundation for Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on meditation and direct experience of enlightenment.

5 Interesting Facts about Bodhidharma

1. Bodhidharma is often depicted with a fierce expression and a beard, which led to the nickname “The Blue-Eyed Barbarian.”

2. He is said to have introduced physical training to the Shaolin monks, leading to the development of Shaolin Kung Fu.

3. His primary teaching was that enlightenment can be attained through direct experience, without reliance on scriptures or rituals.

4. Bodhidharma’s meditation method, known as “wall-gazing,” became a cornerstone of Zen meditation practice.

5. Several legends suggest that Bodhidharma’s limbs atrophied and fell off due to his prolonged meditation, which is why Daruma dolls (representing Bodhidharma) are round and limbless.