Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma

Zen Buddhism founder in China.

A Buddhist monk credited with transmitting Chan Buddhism to China, which later evolved into Zen Buddhism. He is also known for his contributions to the development of martial arts. Bodhidharma’s teachings focused on direct experience of truth through meditation and personal insight, bypassing doctrinal teachings. His influence on Chinese Buddhism and the Zen tradition continues to shape meditation practices and philosophical thought in East Asia.

Bodhidharma Quotes about Death

  • Buddhas move freely through birth and death, appearing and disappearing at will.
  • And as long as you're subject to birth and death, you'll never attain enlightenment.
  • When mortals are alive, they worry about death. When they're full, they worry about hunger. Theirs is the Great Uncertainty. But sages don't consider the past. And they don't worry about the future. Nor do they cling to the present. And from moment to moment they follow the Way.
  • Once you stop clinging and let things be, you'll be free, even of birth and death. You'll transform everything.
  • This one life has no form and is empty by nature. If you become attached by any form, you should reject it. If you see an ego, a soul, a birth, or a death, reject them all.
  • Don't hate life and death or love life and death. Keep your every thought free of delusion, and in life you'll witness the beginning of nirvana, and in death you'll experience the assurance of no rebirth.
  • Life and death are important. Don't suffer them in vain.
  • One clings to life although there is nothing to be called life; another clings to death although there is nothing to be called death. In reality, there is nothing to be born; consequently, there is nothing to perish.