Bodhidharma

American  

[boh-di-duhr-muh] / ˈboʊ dɪˈdʌr mə /

noun

1. died a.d. c530, Indian Buddhist philosopher and missionary: founder of Ch'an in China, which was later called Zen in Japan.

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Bodhidharma British  

/ ˌbəʊdɪˈdɑːmə, ˌbɒd- /

noun

1. 6th century _ad , Indian Buddhist monk, who taught in China (from 520): considered to be the founder of Zen Buddhism

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Example Sentences

Legend has it that around the 6th Century, Indian Buddhist monk Bodhidharma introduced these techniques to the Shaolin monks, influencing the more famous Chinese martial art.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025

And I’ll just point out one thing: If you think about the historical figure that I’m talking about, Bodhidharma, Bodhid means to be enlightened.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2024

In the 17th century, Isshi Bunshu painted a portrait of Daruma, or Bodhidharma, the Indian monk considered the founder of what became Zen, consisting of almost nothing but the great man’s robe in silhouette.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2024

Tradition has it that Chan was brought to China by Bodhidharma, a monk from India or central Asia.

From Washington Post • Dec. 31, 2014

The meditation of Bodhidharma is not the Dhyâna of this list, but meditation on Prajñâ, the highest of the Pâramitâs.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 3 by Eliot, Charles, Sir