What is Bodhidharma (菩提达摩)?
Bodhidharma (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.
Key Takeaways
- Bodhidharma (菩提达摩) is a key concept in Zen Buddhism philosophy.
- Bodhidharma (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.
Understanding Bodhidharma
Bodhidharma (菩提达摩) is a Zen Buddhism concept. Bodhidharma (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 Zen Buddhism philosophy, Bodhidharma represents integral to Zen practice and the direct experience of awakening.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bodhidharma in Zen Buddhism?
Bodhidharma (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 transmis
What does 菩提达摩 mean?
菩提达摩 (Bodhidharma) is a Zen Buddhism concept. Bodhidharma (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 t
How does Bodhidharma fit into Zen Buddhism philosophy?
In Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma is understood as integral to Zen practice and the direct experience of awakening.
Why is Bodhidharma important?
Bodhidharma matters because it offers a practical framework for integral to Zen practice and the direct experience of awakening.