Bodhidharma statue

Bodhidharma statue

Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who lived in the 5th or 6th century. Traditionally, he is considered the successor of Zen Buddhism to China and is regarded as the first patriarch of China. According to Chinese legend, he also began physical training for Shaolin monks, leading to the birth of Shaolin Kung Fu. In Japan, he is called Damo. Regarding the artistic depiction of Bodhidharma, he is depicted in Buddhist art as a non Chinese with a hot temper, thick beard, and wide eyes. He is referred to as' blue eyed Hu 'in Zen texts.