Bodhidharma Staring at a Wall for Nine Years

Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk who brought Buddhism from India to China, and on to Korea and Japan around the 5th century. Legend has it that he also was the original trainer of the Shaolin Monks (thus a father of Kung Fu). He has many names, such as 菩提達磨 which is Putidamo in Chinese and Bodaidaruma in Japanese. However, the short version, 達磨 is commonly used as Damo in Chinese and Daruma in Japanese. He also may or may not be from India or Persia.

The title of this artwork is 達摩面壁, which means "Wall Meditation" and refers to Bodhidharma reaching enlightenment after staring at a blank wall in a cave for nine years.

Like other religious historical figures, some of the information about Bodhidharma has become legendary (and thus questionable). Arrival dates, origin, and even how long he lived are often debated. It is said that he could fly through the air, riding on a small reed stalk (so you are allowed to have some doubts).

---

About the Artist...

The artist's name is (Zhong Qi).