Bodhidharma: The Tamil Nadu Connection to Zen Buddhism
Bodhidharma, also known as Damo in Chinese, was a legendary Buddhist monk who is considered to be the founder of the Zen tradition. He is believed to have lived during the 5th or 6th century CE and played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism from India to China.
Born in Kanchipuram, South India, Bodhidharma is said to have been a prince of the Pallava dynasty. However, he renounced his royal privileges and embarked on a spiritual journey in search of enlightenment. According to legends and accounts, he traveled to China, crossing treacherous terrains and enduring various hardships to reach his destination. (more…)