Bodhidhamma aka Da Mo
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Did Da Mo really taught martial arts to shaolin temple in china?
some commentary said Da Mo was Guan Shi Yin Pusa.
Much has been said about his life and activities in China, when he went to China to spread Chan Buddhism.
What was he like in India before he came to china? Was he from Theravada or Mahayana tradition? -
Da mo which is bodhidharma is the first patriach of zen in chinaOriginally posted by marcteng:Did Da Mo really taught martial arts to shaolin temple in china?
some commentary said Da Mo was Guan Shi Yin Pusa.
Much has been said about his life and activities in China, when he went to China to spread Chan Buddhism.
What was he like in India before he came to china? Was he from Theravada or Mahayana tradition?
What he taught is basically the rod technique of the northern india temple in fighting bandits ,in a purpose also to strengthen the physique of the shaolin monk
Before He came to china ,China is in a state of upheaval ,the 6 dynasties after the split Eastern Jin Dynasty ,made the common folk suffer .Mahayana Buddhism was already spread to china ,but there need a impetus of the correct technique of dhyana(chan) in China
He is from the Mahayana tradition .
for more info , u can go and watch this vcd on da mo zhu shi
i have a copy of it -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BodhidharmaOriginally posted by marcteng:Did Da Mo really taught martial arts to shaolin temple in china?
some commentary said Da Mo was Guan Shi Yin Pusa.
Much has been said about his life and activities in China, when he went to China to spread Chan Buddhism.
What was he like in India before he came to china? Was he from Theravada or Mahayana tradition? -
In the beginning, there is no sectarian difference over Theravada and Mahayana. Zen began even before the sectarian differences sprung up... when Buddha transmitted the Mind to Ven. Kashyapa without spoken words. Then later Kashyapa transmitted it to Ananda and so on... the lineage of Zen continued until today, but the robes was not passed down since 6th Chinese Patriarch Hui Neng.
But Bodhidharma was asked by his teacher from India to spread the Mahayana teachings in China
An interesting read: Life of the Six Zen Partriaches from Bodhidharma to Hui Neng -
Is Bodhidhamma guan yin as people said he is?Originally posted by bohiruci: -
Yes. He is Guan Yin's manifest.Originally posted by marcteng:Is Bodhidhamma guan yin as people said he is?
If you read Lotus Sutra, you would know that Guan Yin can appear in any kinds of form in order to preach the dharma -
Yes, Guan Shi Yin Pusa can, but why say Bodhidhamma is a manifestation of Guan Shi Yin Pusa? Dalai Lama also?Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Yes. He is Guan Yin's manifest.
If you read Lotus Sutra, you would know that Guan Yin can appear in any kinds of form in order to preach the dharma -
The CaseOriginally posted by marcteng:Yes, Guan Shi Yin Pusa can, but why say Bodhidhamma is a manifestation of Guan Shi Yin Pusa? Dalai Lama also?
Emperor Wu of Liang asked the great master Bodhidharma, "What is the highest meaning of the holy truths?"
Bodhidharma said, "Empty, without holiness."
The Emperor said, "Who is facing me?"
Bodhidharma replied, "I donÂ’t know."
The Emperor did not understand.
After this, Bodhidharma crossed the Yang Tse River and came to the kingdom of Wei.
Later, the Emperor brought this up to master Chih and asked him about it.
Master Chih said, "Does Your Majesty know who this man is?"
The Emperor said, "I donÂ’t know."
Master Chih said, "He is Mahasattva Avalokitsvara, transmitting the Buddha mind to you."
The Emperor felt regretful, so he wanted to send an emissary to go get Bodhidharma to return.
Master Chih told him, "Your Majesty, donÂ’t send someone to fetch him back. Even if everyone in the whole country went to go after him, he still wouldnÂ’t return." -
okie .... one thing to noteOriginally posted by An Eternal Now:In the beginning, there is no sectarian difference over Theravada and Mahayana. Zen began even before the sectarian differences sprung up... when Buddha transmitted the Mind to Ven. Kashyapa without spoken words. Then later Kashyapa transmitted it to Ananda and so on... the lineage of Zen continued until today, but the robes was not passed down since 6th Chinese Patriarch Hui Neng.
But Bodhidharma was asked by his teacher from India to spread the Mahayana teachings in China
An interesting read: Life of the Six Zen Partriaches from Bodhidharma to Hui Neng
Why was the robe not passed down after 6th Patriach ,it is a instruction
by Bodhidharma ,the robes and alms which is used by Buddha Sakyamuni has become an instrument of power in the tang dynasty china (when wu zetian ruled )
Bodhidharma already knew the Alms and bowl should not be the authentication of a direct lineage from zen .
Especially in the movie of bodhidharma ,He recited the lankavatara sutra stanza
"I came to this Land .Spread the Dharma to save the deluded sentient beings.
One flower opens 5 petal , the result is accomplished naturally .
Means after the 6th Patriach ,Chan school become 5 main school
Dharma eye
Rinzai
Soto Zen
others i forgot liao