Bodhidharma , known as Dámó in Chinese, stands as one of the most legendary figures in the history of Buddhism and martial arts. Revered as the founder of Chan Buddhism (known as Zen in Japan) and a significant influence on the Shaolin martial arts tradition, his legacy is a testament to the cultural exchange between India and China. Bodhidharma ’s life, though shrouded in mystery and folklore, remains a symbol of discipline, spiritual enlightenment, and the power of intercultural ... Bodhidharma was an Indian monk from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, who is known as Daruma Daishi in Japan and is said to have travelled to the island nation a thousand years ago. Ever wondered why a bearded Indian monk became the founding father of Chinese Zen Buddhism? Yeah, that’s Bodhidharma for you – straddling worlds and blurring boundaries between East and South Asian spiritual traditions. Aside from Gautama Buddha himself, no one rose to the level of epic, towering fame and Buddhist history greater than the one-shoed sage of Shaolin fame, Bodhidharma . Like Buddha, his life is both historical and legendary. Like Buddha, he was a prince who renounced the worldly. Bodhidharma image from Truc Lam Buddhist Temple in Dalat Vietnam. He is s towering presence in Chan and Zen Buddhism, a historical monk with many legendary stories, who influenced Shaolin and Kungfu. Bodhidharma not ...
