Bodhidharma: The Barbarian Master

credited as the transmitter of Chan Buddhism to China that later evolved into Zen Buddhism in Japan

he also began the physical training of the monks of Shaolin Monastery that led to the creation of Kungfu

People told a lot of stories about him and was already famous when he arrived in China. It’s said that he spent nine years in a cave meditating and that he invented tea to help him stay awake during long meditations.

His teaching was simple. He said we should focus on practice, rather than spending too much time giving faith and devotion to religious texts. The idea that Enlightenment is with us already comes from Bodhidharma.

Huike said to Bodhidharma, “My mind is anxious. Please pacify it.”
Bodhidharma replied, “Bring me your mind, and I will pacify it.”
Huike said, “Although I’ve sought it, I cannot find it.”
“There,” Bodhidharma replied, “I have pacified your mind.”

He was so disturbed by the poor physical shape of the Shaolin monks, he instructed them in techniques to maintain their physical condition as well as teaching meditation.