The influence of Dharma Daishi ~ From the origins of Zen to the present day

Bodhidharma, also known as "Dharma Daishi," is an important figure in the spiritual culture of the East, and many people will feel his profound influence when they hear his name 。

A Signpost for Spiritual Healing and Self-Exploration

He was a legendary monk from South India who lived from the end of the 4th century to the middle of the 6th century, and as the founder of Chinese Zen Buddhism, his teachings are deeply rooted in a wide range of fields to this day.

Akane

Midori

His life is shrouded in mystery, and while numerous legends and anecdotes have been passed down, his teachings continue to have far-reaching implications beyond the confines of Buddhism and into the realms of spiritual practice, martial arts, and even modern self-development.

The presence of Dharma Daishi is still an inspiration to many people today, not as a mere religious leader, but as a universal symbol that encourages inner human growth and transformation.

Akane

From India to China ~ Dharma as a Practitioner

The story of Dharma Daishi begins when he was born as a prince in a kingdom called Koshikoku, India.

From an early age, he was a man of extraordinary intelligence and insight. When he was seven years old, he met a high priest named Hannyataro, which changed his life forever. Through this encounter, he was determined to pursue a path of deep exploration of human nature and truth.

Jesse

flower

After that, he spent more than 40 years of rigorous training, facing his inner self and gaining a deep understanding of Buddhist teachings. Realizing his mission to spread Mahayana Buddhism, he was destined to travel to mainland China.

At that time, it is said that Dharma Daishi was over 120 years old, but his passion and strong will in defiance of old age supported his actions.

flower

flower

This epic journey was the first step in spreading his teachings and an important turning point in passing on his legacy to future generations.

Footprints in China: Liang's Dialogue with Emperor Wu and the Birth of Zen

After Dharma arrived in China, he held a historical dialogue with Emperor Wu of Liang at the time 。

This dialogue has very important implications for understanding the core teachings of Zen Buddhism. Emperor Wu emphasized the merits of the temples he had built and the reproductions of scriptures, and asked Dharma about the magnitude of his merits.

Naomi

brown

However, Dharma replied succinctly, "No merit." This phrase rejects the notion of merit attained through worldly deeds and expresses Dharma's deep belief that inner enlightenment is the true goal of Buddhism.

Emperor Wu was deeply shocked by Dharma's answer, and a philosophical conflict arose between the two. Dharma then left the court and sought a place to train on his own. This event highlights the peculiarities of Zen Buddhism and symbolizes the Zen spirit that seeks liberation from worldly values.

Naomi

"Nine Years of Faces" at the Shaolin Temple: The Road to Self-Transcendence

After leaving the court, Dharma Daishi stayed at the Shaolin Temple in Suzan, Henan Province.

So he practiced rigorous meditation for nine years. This practice, called the "Nine Years of Menpekikunen," involved Dharma sitting in meditation against the walls of the temple, shutting out all stimuli from the outside world, and deeply exploring the essence of the self.

eyebrow

Pont

Legend has it that his arms and legs became immobile or rotten as a result of extremely concentrated meditation during this period, but these anecdotes symbolically illustrate the ultimate perseverance in seeking enlightenment and the importance of self-transcendence.

This practice was not just a test of physical endurance, but also a test to transcend mental limits and get in touch with the essence of oneself.

eyebrow

Martial arts tradition in Shaolin Temple: Harmony between spirit and body

In the Shaolin Temple, it is also said that Dharma Daishi taught the monks the basics of martial arts.

He emphasized the idea that the mind and body are one, and by combining meditation with physical strengthening movements, he is said to have improved the physical abilities of monks who were feeling weak.

It is believed that this teaching later became the basis of Shaolin Kempo and even had a great influence on Chinese martial arts as a whole.

forest

Kazuhisa Fukutomi

Martial arts are not just a way to train the body, but also to train the mind and develop self-control, and are considered to be deeply connected to Zen teachings.

"Two-in-a-Four Elements" - Practical Zen Teachings

Dharma Daishi wrote the Niyūshyōron, which is known as a compilation of Zen practices.

This theory explains how to reach the state of enlightenment through two approaches: "rinyu" (doctrinal and theoretical understanding) and "gyonyu" (practice with action).

forest

1. "Reason" means to unify the mind and realize the truth through meditation in order to deeply understand the essence of the self and the universe.
   
2. "Engage" refers to reflecting that understanding in concrete actions in daily life. These two are indispensable in Zen practice, and he explains the importance of balanced practice.

"In-row" is further classified into the following four practices.

1. It is not to be attached to suffering or painful events, but to accept and be grateful for them as a result of past karma. This practice encourages us not to hold grudges or hatred, but to calmly accept the consequences of our past actions and learn from them.
   
2. It is important to accept the events that arise from the causes of this life as a natural flow and not to be overwhelmed. Rather than clinging to the events that happen, this practice seeks to maintain a calm mind at all times in an ever-changing world.
   
3. It is not to be bound by desires and desires, and not to pursue unnecessary things. This practice seeks to free oneself from material desires and attachments and to maintain peace of mind.
   
4. It is to understand the truth that all phenomena are transient (impermanent) and that nothing lasts forever, and to live according to the Dharma. This practice encourages us to live our lives based on the truth without fear of change.
   
5. It shows that Dharma's Zen is not just a spiritual practice, but a practical philosophy that has a great influence on daily life itself. Zen teachings, when consciously practiced in our daily lives, promote self-growth and guide us to live a richer life.

The Position of Dharma in Zen Buddhism, Unique Teachings and Inheritance

The Zen Buddhism established by Dharma Daishi is based on four doctrines: "Furyumonji," "Kyōgebetsuden," "Jikishi Ninshin," and "Seeing Buddhahood."

forest

1. "Furitsuji" emphasizes teachings that are not bound by words or letters, and encourages enlightenment through individual experience, rather than relying solely on Buddhist scriptures. "Kyogai Betsu Den" is the idea that Buddhist teachings are transmitted directly from master to disciple, rather than through words or letters.
   
2. "Direct Finger Human Mind" aims to directly point to the essence of the human mind and make them realize the truth. "Seeing Buddha" means that one can become a Buddha (an enlightened person) by realizing one's true nature.
   
3. The famous episode of Eka becoming a disciple symbolizes the rigor of Dharma Daishi. The story of Keika cutting off his own arm in order to beg for direct instruction from Dharma shows that the path of Zen is not easy. This

Kazuhisa Fukutomi

The anecdote tells us that it takes a great deal of determination and determination to walk the path of Zen.

The Legend of Tea and the "Daruma" Doll: A Fusion of Culture and Faith

A legend associated with Dharma Daishi's Zen practice is that he cut off his own eyelids to prevent drowsiness during prolonged meditation.

Ken

george

The theory that the cut off eyelids fell to the ground and became a tea tree, which became the origin of today's tea, symbolizes the deep connection between Zen and tea.

It is believed that through this legend, the custom of monks drinking tea during meditation arose. Tea has become an important tool for maintaining concentration during meditation and has been deeply linked to Zen practice.

Ken

george

In Japan, the "Daruma" doll modeled after Daruma Daishi was born. This doll has the property of getting up even if you fall due to its round shape, symbolizing the life lesson of "seven falls and eight rises".

Even today, it is widely loved as a prayer for happiness, success, and passing exams, and is deeply rooted in Japan culture. Daruma dolls are popular with many people as a presence that gives them the courage to face difficulties and helps them achieve their goals.

Ken

The Modern Meaning of the Spiritual World of Dharma ~ Self-Exploration and Peace of Mind

The teachings and practices of Dharma Daishi are not mere relics of the past. Zazen, self-reflection meditation, and thinking methods for overcoming anxiety and desire are attracting attention as a means of relieving stress and mental confusion that people living in modern society have.

The process of reaching "remorselessness" that he described continues to serve as an eternal guide for many people to deepen their self-awareness and pursue inner peace. Digging deep into the self and facing the true self is becoming more and more important in modern society.

His legacy has been studied and practiced all over the world, including Japan, China, and Korea, and his influence extends to a wide range of fields, including religion and martial arts, as well as lifestyle, philosophical contemplation, and self-development.

The life of Dharma Daishi and his teachings transcend time and continue to be a shining beacon for all those who take on the challenge of self-inquiry. His teachings will be valid in modern society and will be a compass for us to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

I want to read it together

The spread of Kukai's life and achievements that introduced ancient yoga to Japan

I want to read it together

Change and Peace ~ Buddha's Philosophy

I want to read it together

Traditional therapy to regulate qi in the body ~ qigong

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

Contact

Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965 Since childhood, he has been plagued by troubles, illnesses, and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena. However, one day at the age of 20, he participated in an event, had a strange experience at the venue, and received a lightning energy from heaven that seemed to pierce his brain and his spinal cord, and his psychic abilities blossomed. After that, he started researching psychology and psychic powers, and now he has combined psychic abilities and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics Exorcism" with his own radionics technique. Beyond exorcism, memorial services, and healing, "it is possible to cure luck"