Bodhidharma – The History and Legend

Ta Mo originally traveled to China in order to meet Emperor Wu of Liang (Xiao Yan, posthumous name Wudì), a impassioned advocate of Buddhism. The Emperor, who was a righteous man who believed that enlightenment could be reached through the good works performed in his name by others. This belief lead to him commissioning the translation of Buddhist scriptures from Sanskrit, into the common language to make them accessible to population to practice the religion. Ta Mo found this interpretation a contradiction of Buddhism and parted ways with the Emperor, traveling to the nearby Shaolin Monastery where the Sanskrit was being translated. The monks was refused entrance to the monastery, some speculate due to the disagreement between the emperor (their benefactor) and Ta Mo. So he retreated to a nearby cave and sat before a wall and meditated for nine years to in order to prove his worthiness.Probably as a result of his disagreement with their rule No one can really know how much of the story of Bodhidharma’s history is based on fact, but we can say that like many historical figures a number of legends have emerged about him and that they have been infused into the development of the kung fu culture. From him literally burning holes in the walls of the cave with his gaze and the suggestion that while was meditating, the sun burned his silhouette directly onto the rock. If either of these were to have happen, it would have proven his dedication and may have eventually led to his admittance to the temple. The likely scenario is that over time he spoke with monks who brought him food and water and won his trust with his great wisdom. Chan Buddhism as it was taught by Ta Mo and have had a tremendous influence on the philosophy of the martial arts not only in China, but also in Japan where it is known as Zen.
to be continued.