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 Truth

All Mind(24)Nature(14)Awareness(8)Death(8)People(7)Karma(6)Body(6)Reality(6)Life(5)Practice(5)World(5)Evil(4)Understanding(4)Freedom(3)Hell(3)Enlightenment(3)Truth(3)

If you know that everything comes from the mind, don't become attached. Once attached, you're unaware. But once you see your own nature, the entire Canon becomes so much prose. It's thousands of sutras and shastras only amount to a clear mind. Understanding comes in midsentence. What good are doctrines? The ultimate Truth is beyond words. Doctrines are words. They're not the Way. The Way is wordless. Words are illusions. . . . Don't cling to appearances, and you'll break through all barriers. . . .
Bodhidharma
21
The Dharma is the truth that all natures are pure.
Bodhidharma
18
The ultimate Truth is beyond words. Doctrines are words. They're not the Way.
Bodhidharma
13