Introduction l Buddha l Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma was the 28th patriarch of Buddhism (28th direct descendant of the historical Buddha) and the first patriarch of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism.  He was an enlightened master who introduced Chan Buddhism to China and is known as the founding father of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Born a prince in the southern Indian kingdom of Pallava at around 440 A.D., Bodhidharma was to follow in his father’s footsteps as king.  In the midst of his education and training, Bodhidharma encountered the Buddha’s teachings.  He immediately saw the truth in the doctrine of Buddhism and decided to give up his esteemed position and gifted princely life to become a monk and study with the legendary Buddhist master Prajnatara who was the 27th patriarch of Buddhism.  Bodhidharma rapidly progressed in his Buddhist studies and in time became an enlightened master.  Master Prajnatara instructed his disciple to travel to China and spread the Mahayana teachings of Chan Buddhism to the Chinese.

Bodhidharma set off on his quest and after a brutal trek over Tibet's Himalayan Mountains, surviving both the extreme elements and treacherous bandits he finally arrived in China around 520 A.D. Upon the invitation of Emperor Liang Wu Ti, Bodhidharma went to Nanjing.

Emperor Wu Ti, a devout Buddhist himself, requested an audience with Bodhidharma.  The emperor was very fond of Buddhism and often wore Buddhist garments, ate vegetarian food and recited Buddhist prayers.  Proud of his knowledge and contributions he had made towards the spreading of Buddhism, the emperor asked Bodhidharma “Since I came to the throne, I have built many temples, published numerous scriptures and supported countless monks and nuns. How great is the merit in my deeds?” “There is no merit in your deeds”, replied Bodhidharma. The emperor was confused and angered by his remark.  He had failed to understand Bodhidharma’s statement, which meant that one is not really practicing the dharma (Buddha’s teachings) if one does good deeds only for selfish reasons.  In the emperor’s case his actions were done for the intention of gaining fame and praise.  Bodhidharma was explaining that the self-centered desire and craving for merit and praise changed the nature of the emperor’s deeds.

After the conversation between the emperor and Bodhidharma, which was mutually unsatisfactory, Bodhidharma left the palace, crossed the Yangtze River, and continued north until he arrived at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province.

When Bodhidharma saw the monks at the Shaolin Temple, he noticed that they were spiritually strong but physically weak due to long-term meditation practice. Bodhidharma informed them that he would teach them to cultivate their minds and bodies by a two-part program of meditation and physical training.

Legend has it that Bodhidharma meditated in a cave nearby, facing the wall for 9 years in seclusion.  Upon reemerging, Bodhidharma created an efficient exercise program for the Shaolin monks that strengthened the body, and enabled application in self-defense. He developed a system of 18 dynamic tension exercises. These movements are known as the Yi Jin Jing, or Changing Muscle/Tendon Classic. We know this system today as the 18 Lohan Qi Qong Movements - the basis of Shaolin Kung Fu.  Through his teachings, the Shaolin Monks forged and developed over the centuries, what is today the most advanced and complete martial arts system the world has ever known. 

The contributions Bodhidharma has made to the spreading of Buddhism in China and beyond are immeasurable.  The Mahayana teaching of Chan Buddhism was quickly assimilated into Chinese culture and began to spread throughout the country.  In the 12th century, Chan Buddhism spread to Japan and then Korea.  Today Chan Buddhism is strong and flourishing in countries all over the world.