Bodhidharma
달마대사
BuddhistEarly Medieval (5th-6th century)
"Founder of Zen, Blue-Eyed Sage"
✦ Personality Traits
✦ About
Bodhidharma was the legendary monk who brought Chan (Zen) Buddhism from India to China in the 5th or 6th century. Known as the "Blue-Eyed Barbarian," he emphasized direct transmission of enlightenment outside of scriptures—a pointing directly at the heart of humanity.
The most famous story tells of Bodhidharma sitting in meditation facing a wall at Shaolin Temple for nine years, his legs withering from disuse. A student named Huike cut off his own arm to demonstrate his sincerity, and Bodhidharma finally transmitted the dharma to him.
Bodhidharma is also legendary as the originator of Shaolin martial arts, teaching the monks physical exercises that evolved into kung fu. He represents the fierce, uncompromising pursuit of enlightenment and the principle that Buddha-nature can be realized directly.
✦ Famous Story
When Emperor Wu asked Bodhidharma what merit he had accumulated through building temples and supporting monks, Bodhidharma replied, 'No merit whatsoever.' The emperor, shocked, asked who this was before him. 'I don't know,' replied Bodhidharma, and left.
✦ If You Match
You possess the fierce intensity of Bodhidharma. There is a direct, penetrating quality to your presence—the look of one who sees through all pretense to essential truth.
