Bodhidharma (Bodhidharma, the monk)

Bodhidharma was a legendary Indian monk traditionally credited with transmitting Chan Buddhism (known as Zen in Japan) to China around the 5th or 6th century. He emphasized meditation, direct insight into one’s nature, and the importance of practice over ritual. Bodhidharma is also associated with the founding of Shaolin Kung Fu and the development of Chinese martial arts. His teachings focus on achieving enlightenment through direct experience and inner discipline, making him a central figure in the history of Mahayana Buddhism and East Asian spiritual practice.