菩提达摩
Bodhidharma
Zen Buddhism · personBodhidharma (菩提达摩, c. 5th–6th century CE) was a Buddhist monk traditionally credited as the founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China. According to tradition, he was a South Indian prince who traveled to China and taught a direct, mind-to-mind transmission of Buddhism outside the scriptures. He is associated with the Shaolin Temple, wall-gazing meditation (biguān, 壁观), and the key Zen insight that awakening is seeing one's own nature.
In the tradition of Chan and Zen Buddhism, as transmitted from Bodhidharma through the lineage of Zen masters, Bodhidharma represents a key concept that continues to inform philosophical thought and practice today.
What Are the Key Facts About Bodhidharma?
- Tradition: Zen Buddhism
- Chinese: 菩提达摩
- Category: Person
- Definition: Bodhidharma (菩提达摩, c.
What Cards Are Related to Bodhidharma?
What Concepts Are Related to Bodhidharma?
Zazen 坐禅Founded
Bodhidharma brought seated meditation (zazen) as the core Chan practice
Sudden Enlightenment 顿悟 Teaches
Bodhidharma's Chan emphasized direct, sudden awakening
Koan 公案 Influenced
The koan tradition traces its origins to Bodhidharma's direct pointing at mind
Mindfulness 正念 Teaches
Bodhidharma taught wall-gazing meditation as mindfulness practice
Stillness 静 Teaches
Bodhidharma's wall-gazing is a radical practice of inner stillness
Common Questions
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For authoritative academic perspectives on Bodhidharma, consult these external sources: