Why Did Bodhidharma Come to the West?
February 19, 2009 by KitabuRoshi
Wind blows...leaves scatter
Bodhidharma traveled from India to introduce Zen (Ch'an)to China.
Historically, Bodhidharma was the 28th patriarch of Gotama Buddha. Nevertheless, he was the founder of the enlightenment approach now known mostly by its Japanese name, Zen. Bodhidharma was also known as Tamo and Daruma. He travelled the distance from India to China over treacherous ground...but for what? After years meditating on Chinese soil he had an encounter with the man who would not only become his first disciple but the first beneficiary of his Zen. His name was Huike. He was seeking a means to pacify his mind. Bodhidharma did not make it easy for him. Those who awaken are often compelled to go to great distances to stand with others. Only a few people will understand why they travel. Even fewer people will directly benefit from their journey but the trip is worth it. If a single soul understands, if only one person receives without blocking, no distance is too far to go.
I observed the world travelling of my own Spiritual Teacher, Sadguru Sant Keshavadas but I never suspected that one day that same spirit would also draw me to many parts of the world to share The Way, its power and its peace, its love and grace. Why did Bodhidharma comes to the West? For me the answer is simple...to dance in Maastrich, Holland.
…and I had, “Late Han cuisine.”
Ahh-so.
Q: What did the Zen Bozo say to the Zen Trickster?
A: What are you doing in my mirror?
So good to be alive and experience those small moments of divinity that shines forever inside us all….He Iti He Pounamu…….. They may be small but to us they are treasures.
May Zen Mushin Ryu energise and relax this spirit for the betterment of the body and the mind…..mine
A happy moment a smile, joyful time with my friends, Quiet……. eyes closed
Huitao
International dateline, Baby!
Legend attributes Bodhi Dharma with developing a systematic method of self defense. He did this to protect himself and the written Sutras he carried with him in his travels. At some point it is said that he met with monks in a monastery in northern China who complained of being robbed by bands of thieves. The monks were said to be physically weak from constant mediation.
Bodhi Dharma then taught him these self defense movements as well sharing the wisdom from Gotama Buddha. The descendants of these monks are the Shao Lin Monks…
Historians say there is no evidence to suggest that Bodhi Dharma taught martial arts to the monks…
Yet the legend lives on and more importantly – so do the teachings.
I have deep gratitude for our teacher Kitabu Turner Roshi. So much of what I have learned has been as a direct result of his kind, patients and persistent way of helping me to renew my mind and see what is real. For that I am forever grateful