What is Dharma (Dharma Master, Bodhidharma)?

Dharma (達磨), or Bodhidharma (菩提達磨, Bodhidharma), was born as the third prince of the Pallava Dynasty in southern India. After studying Buddhism deeply, he went to China and became the founder of Zen Buddhism.

Major life and achievements

 

• Birth and becoming a monk: He was born as a prince of southern India and inherited Buddhism from the 27th patriarch, Banya Dhara.

 

• Transmission to China: He is famous for the story of following his teacher's wishes, going to China, and practicing meditation by looking at a wall for nine years at the Shaolin Temple in Songshan after a dialogue with Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty.

 

• The founder of Seon Buddhism: Dharma founded Seon Buddhism, which emphasizes direct practice and enlightenment without relying on scriptures or texts. Afterwards, he taught the law to his disciples, including Hyega, and became the root of Seon Buddhism in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, etc.

 

Symbolism and influence of Dharma

• Dharma painting: The image of Dharma is widely known as the 'Dharma painting', which depicts the intense eyes and exotic appearance of Dharma. The representative example is the Dharma painting by Kim Myeong-guk of the Joseon Dynasty.

• Dharma doll: In Japan, the 'Daruma (Dharma) doll' is widely used as a symbol of good luck and indomitability. This originates from the story that Dharma's hands and feet rotted after sitting in meditation for nine years.

 

• Buddhist meaning: Dharma also means 'law', or the teachings of Buddha, and it conveyed the core idea of Seon Buddhism that all living beings have Buddha nature.

 

Although there are various theories about Bodhidharma's existence and specific actions, he is deeply revered as the founder of Zen Buddhism in East Asian Buddhism.