What Is Chan 禅 Buddhism.
2. (Legend)
Who was Bodhidharma?
Bodhidharma was a Indian Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th/6th
century AD. He is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chán to China, and regarded as the first Chinese patriarch. According to Chinese legend, he also began the physical training of the Shaolin monks that led to the creation of Shaolinquan. Aka- Shaolin Kung-Fu.
There
are a number of stories and legends surrounding Bodhidharma, some of
that might be real; and a lot others just made up. In any case, they are all
very interesting tales, and profoundly capture the essence of Chan wisdom.
According to the Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall, around the year 527 (?) the eighth year of Putong:
Bodhidharma called on the Emperor Wu Ti (502-550 A.D.) of Liang dynasty, a fervent patron of Buddhism. The Emperor was then at Jinling (today's Nanjiang)
Emperor Wu asked Bodhidharma: "After I ascended the throne, I have built
countless temples residences for monks and copied innumerable
scriptures. How much merit have I accrued?"
Bodhidharma answered: "There is no merit."
Startled, the Emperor then asked Bodhidharma: “What is the first principle of the holy teachings?”
Bodhidharma replied: “Vast emptiness, nothing holy.”
Emperor, frustrated, then asked Bodhidharma: "Who is this that stands before me?"
Bodhidharma answered: "I don't know."
The
Emperor did not understand what Bodhidharma was saying. He was
disappointed and upset. The meeting was obviously unsuccessful.
Thereafter, Bodhidharma moved north, and meditated in a cave, facing a wall, for 8 years.
**The Legend of Bodhidharma may have been created by Chinese Chan Buddhists.**