Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma is thought to have been born around the year 440 in Kanchi, India. He was a Brahman and prince by birth. At a young age he converted to Buddhism and received transmission from Prajnatara, whom his father had invited to the palace. It was Prajnatara who told Bodhidharma to go to China to help spread the transmission of Buddhism. Bodhidharma ended up becoming one of the most famous Zen Monks in history. He is the first Chan (Zen) Patriarch to millions of Chan Buddhists and was also a great teacher of Kung-Fu.

Many legends surround Bodhidharma and one of them has to do with tea! It is said that while Bodhidharma was mediating he fell asleep and when he awoke, he was upset that he could not stay awake for his mediation. To stay awake he cut his eye lids off and where both of his eye lids landed, grew the first two tea bushes in China! This is why Bodhidharma can be depicted in paintings with bulging, lidless eyes.

“Once mortals see their nature, all attachments end. Awareness isn’t hidden. But you can find it right now. It’s only now. If you really want to find the Way, don’t hold on to anything. Once you put an end to karma and nurture your awareness, any attachments that remain will come to an end.” - Bodhidharma

Source: The Zen Teachings of Bodhidharma (translated by Red Pine) - North Point Press

by Chandler McAnally