History of Bodhidharma — Mysteries & Secrets (Indian Pallava Prince)

The amazing life of the Chan, Zen & Kung Fu master

• Bodhidharma was the 28th patriarch of Buddhism, hailing from India.
• Bodhidharma founded Chan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism.
• Bodhidharma is the father of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Yet, Indians DO NOT know this Pallava Prince! How unfortunate.

All about Bodhidharma

• Around 470 AD, Bodhidharma was born in Kanchipuram in India, as the third son to a Pallava King, believed to be Skandavarman IV.
• Bodhidharma renounced his royal life and became a Buddhist monk. Upon instruction from his guru Prajnatara, he travelled to China to spread Mahayana Buddhism.
• By around 520 AD, he reached south China.

Bodhidharma’s Lineage

Let’s look at three MOST INTERESTING EVENTS from his life.

1. Clash with Emperor Wu:

Emperor Wu of Liang dynasty, who was renowned for building Buddhist temples and spreading Buddhism across the country, invited Bodhidharma to his court. The Emperor, treating Bodhidharma with utmost…