Bodhidharma Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who traveled from India to China in the sixth century.

He remained in China and is respected as the First Master of Zen Buddhism. The Mahayana Buddhism of the Zen School brought about revolutionary changes and enlightenment to both the culture and lives of people in East Asia. In this contemporary world, the influence of Zen Buddhism is not waning, instead it is vigorously expanding worldwide, and its importance continues to grow. (Zen is an abbreviated phonetic translation of Sanskrits Dhyana into Japanese, and corresponding Chinese is Chan). Bodhidharma was the third prince of the kingdom of Kancheepuram in South India, according to Chinese literature. The details of his life are not well known. From historical records, it is conjectured that he arrived in the south of China in the first quarter of 6th century (some records indicate late 5th century). By the first century (67 CE), Buddhist sutras had already been brought to China from India. All kinds of sutras were translated into Chinese intermittently for a span of many years facilitated by the collaboration of Chinese and Indian monks. A Chinese Chan Master of 13th century told a Japanese monk (later a founder of Zen Buddhism in Japan) in the following way metaphorically: Before Bodhidharmas arrival, only envoys and furniture had come to this country, but no master was there. When Bodhidharma arrived in China, it was as if the people had a king. The Chinese author of the Record of Eminent Monks (written in mid-7th century) praised Wall-contemplation of the Mahayana Buddhism by Bodhidharma as the highest meritorious practice. It is generally said that Bodhidharma brought the mind seal (i.e. Dharma) of Sakyamuni Buddha to China. The dharma of Bodhidharma is expressed compactly by "Wall contemplation and quieting mind", and by the following verse, No dependence on words and letters. Special transmission outside scriptures. Directly pointing at the mind dharma. Seeing into the nature. Attaining Buddhahood. The dharma was succeeded by his eminent disciple Hui-ke (487 - 593 CE). Later, this lineage developed into the Zen School. The following phrase of Hui-ke recorded by his disciple makes it clear how deeply he aspired to attain the supreme wisdom: When I began studying the dharma initially, I cut off one of my arms and stood in the snow during the night. Thus, I quested for the supreme Dharma. Admitting his sincerity and profound understanding, Bodhidharma transmitted his robe and Lankavatara Sutra to Hui-ke and told him to keep them as a seal of faith to the Dharma. Bodhidharma passed away in 528 CE, and was buried at Xionger shan (Bear Ear Mountain), west of Luo-yang in China. Scholars speculate on the life of Bodhidharma from various written accounts in China. The year of his birth is not identified exactly, but supposed to be at a time around 420 to 440 CE. The year of his arrival at China is supposed to be 520 CE, but a much earlier year date of the late 5th century is hinted in some literature. However, the year 528 CE of his parinirvana is supported strongly, though another year of 534 CE is also speculated. Dr. Tsutomu Kambe (Upasaka, VicePresident of WABD)

The unveiling of this the first stone statue in India of Bodhidharma - a son of the soil of Kancheepuram - was graciously performed on Sunday 4th July 2010 at The East West Foundation of India in traditional Zen manner by The Venerable Gisho Watanabe from the Kan-non-ji temple together with a monk and two nuns of the Soto Zen School in Japan. Zen is coming home. Chan is coming home. Dhyana is coming home. Bodhidharma is coming home. Was he ever away? Dr. Natteri V. Chandran (Founder and Chair, Board of Trustees, TEWFI) TEWFI: The East West Foundation of India WABD: World Association of BodhiDharma (NPO, Tokyo)