See Also: Bodhidharma(encyclopedia)

Bodhidharma (sh)




Chinese Damo Japanese Daruma

flourished 6th century AD

Legendary Indian monk credited with the establishment of the Chan (S?n, or Zen) school of Buddhism.

Considered the 28th Indian successor in a direct line from the Buddha Gautama, he is recognized by the Chan school as its first patriarch. Legend states that he traveled from India to Guang (now Guangzhou), China, where he was granted an interview with the emperor Wudi, who was famous for his good works. He told the emperor that meditation, not good deeds, led to enlightenment. He himself was said to have meditated sitting motionless for nine years.