Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma was a 6th-century Buddhist monk traditionally credited as the founder of Zen Buddhism in China. Originating from India, he is known for bringing the teachings of meditation and direct experience of enlightenment to Chinese culture. According to legend, he spent nine years meditating in a cave, facing a wall, which symbolizes deep contemplation and self-discovery. His teachings emphasized understanding one's true nature and achieving enlightenment through meditation rather than through texts. Bodhidharma's influence extends into martial arts, as he is also linked to the development of Shaolin kung fu.