Here is a comprehensive account of Bodhidharma (known as Daruma in Japan), blending legend, history, philosophy, and martial arts influence, with academic and traditional references.
1. Who Was Bodhidharma?
Bodhidharma (達磨, c. 5th–6th century CE) was an Indian Buddhist monk traditionally regarded as:
• The 28th patriarch of Indian Buddhism after Śākyamuni (the Buddha).
• The first patriarch of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China.
• The founder or transmitter of martial arts to Shaolin Temple (though this claim is heavily debated).
Names:
• Sanskrit: Bodhidharma (“Dharma of Awakening”)
• Chinese: Dámó (達摩)
• Japanese: Daruma (達磨)
2. The Historical Bodhidharma
The earliest known source about Bodhidharma comes from Daoxuan’s “Continued Biographies of Eminent Monks” (645 CE), placing him as a South Indian prince who journeyed to China to teach Mahayana Buddhism.
Key historical points:
• Arrived in China around 520 CE during the Liang dynasty.
• Promoted direct insight (dhyāna/Chan) over scriptural study.
• Settled at Shaolin Monastery (少林寺) on Mount Song (嵩山).
📚 Reference:
• McRae, John. Seeing Through Zen: Encounter, Transformation, and Genealogy in Chinese Chan Buddhism. University of California Press, 2003.
• Broughton, Jeffrey. The Bodhidharma Anthology: The Earliest Records of Zen. University of California Press, 1999.
3. Legends and Myths of Bodhidharma
Much of Bodhidharma’s story is mythologized in Chinese and Japanese culture. Here are key legendary elements:
3.1 Crossing the Yangtze on a Reed
• Bodhidharma is said to have crossed the Yangtze River by standing on a single reed, symbolizing his supernatural power and spiritual attainment.
📚 Reference:
• Dumoulin, Heinrich. Zen Buddhism: A History. Volume 1: India and China. Macmillan, 1988.
3.2 The Nine Years of Wall-Gazing
• At Shaolin, he meditated facing a wall for nine years without speaking.
• Represents the introspective nature of Zen and extreme asceticism.
📚 Reference:
• Ferguson, Andy. Zen’s Chinese Heritage: The Masters and Their Teachings. Wisdom Publications, 2000.
3.3 The Encounter with Emperor Wu
• Emperor Wu of Liang questioned Bodhidharma on the merit of good deeds. Bodhidharma replied that such deeds accrue no true merit—a teaching that shocked the Emperor.
This story highlights the Zen rejection of merit-accumulation and focus on sudden awakening.
📚 Reference:
• Broughton, The Bodhidharma Anthology, 1999.
3.4 Huike Cuts Off His Arm
• A monk named Huike pleaded to be accepted as Bodhidharma’s student by cutting off his own arm to show sincerity.
• Huike became the Second Patriarch of Chan.
📚 Reference:
• McRae, Seeing Through Zen, 2003.
4. Bodhidharma and Martial Arts
The legend often credits Bodhidharma with introducing martial arts to the Shaolin Temple.
The Yi Jin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Change Classic)
• A text ascribed to Bodhidharma teaches physical exercises that became the foundation of Shaolin martial arts.
Historical Accuracy:
• Modern scholars question this claim. The earliest association of Bodhidharma with Shaolin martial arts dates only to the Ming dynasty (14th–17th centuries), centuries after his death.
📚 Reference:
• Shahar, Meir. The Shaolin Monastery: History, Religion, and the Chinese Martial Arts. University of Hawai’i Press, 2008.
5. Philosophical Contributions
Bodhidharma’s core Zen teachings are summarized in this famous four-line stanza:
- A special transmission outside the scriptures,
- Not relying on words or letters,
- Direct pointing to the human mind,
- Seeing one’s nature and becoming Buddha.
This became the philosophical DNA of Chan (Zen)—favoring direct experience over scriptural study.
📚 Reference:
• Suzuki, D.T. Manual of Zen Buddhism. Grove Press, 1960.
6. Bodhidharma in Japan: Daruma
• Introduced as Daruma in Japan, his image became central to Zen arts and popular culture.
• Daruma dolls (red, round figures) symbolize perseverance and resilience, echoing his 9 years of meditation.
📚 Reference:
• Moes, Robert. Daruma: The Founder of Zen in Japanese Art. Asia Society, 1981.
7. Symbols and Iconography
• Emaciated monk with piercing eyes
• Red robes
• Legless, armless Daruma dolls (reflecting the legend of endless sitting meditation)
8. Influence on Martial Arts & Self-Defense Philosophy
Even if the historical link to martial arts is thin, Bodhidharma’s Zen philosophy deeply influenced martial arts mindsets, including:
• Mushin (無心): No-mind state essential in combat.
• Zanshin (残心): Remaining aware.
• Endurance and discipline under extreme conditions.
📚 Reference:
• Herrigel, Eugen. Zen in the Art of Archery. Pantheon, 1953.
• Deshimaru, Taisen. The Zen Way to the Martial Arts. Arkana, 1982.
9. Conclusion
Bodhidharma’s historical life is sparse, but his legend shaped Zen Buddhism, martial arts philosophy, and East Asian culture profoundly. Whether seen as an ascetic monk, martial arts pioneer, or symbol of resilience, his figure endures.
✅ Key References Summary:
1. Broughton, Jeffrey (1999). The Bodhidharma Anthology
2. McRae, John (2003). Seeing Through Zen
3. Shahar, Meir (2008). The Shaolin Monastery
4. Dumoulin, Heinrich (1988). Zen Buddhism: A History
5. Moes, Robert (1981). Daruma: The Founder of Zen in Japanese Art
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