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Bodhidharma Talks

Bodhidharma was a semi-legendary Buddhist monk who lived during the 5th or 6th century CE. He is traditionally credited as the transmitter of Chan Buddhism to China, and is regarded as its first Chinese patriarch. He is also popularly regarded as the founder of Shaolin kung fu, an idea popularized in the 20th century, but based on the 17th century Yijin Jing and the Daoist association of daoyin gymnastics with Bodhidharma.
Little contemporary biographical information on Bodhidharma exists, and subsequent accounts are layered with legend and unreliable details. According to the principal Chinese sources, Bodhidharma came from the Western Regions, which typically refers to Central Asia but can also include the Indian subcontinent. He is described as either a "Persian Central Asian" or a "South Indian [...] the third son of a great Indian king." Aside from the Chinese accounts, several popular traditions also exist regarding Bodhidharma's origins. Throughout Buddhist art, Bodhidharma is depicted as an ill-tempered, large-nosed, profusely bearded, wide-eyed non-Chinese person.
The accounts also differ on the date of his arrival. One early account claims that he arrived during the Liu Song dynasty (420–479 CE). Later accounts date his arrival to the Liang dynasty (502–557 CE). Bodhidharma was primarily active in the territory of the Northern Wei (386–534 CE). Modern scholarship dates him to about the early 5th century CE.
Bodhidharma's teachings and practice center on meditation and the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra. The Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall (952) identifies Bodhidharma as the 28th Patriarch of Buddhism in an uninterrupted line that extends back to the Gautama Buddha himself.
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Zen Meditation on the Great Flower Adornment Scripture, Class 5In this series of meetings, we will study and see how Zen is the key unlocking the innumerable meanings of this oceanic scripture. We will also explore how the sutra opens and illuminates our simple... YRB-2023-Fall, Demons, Faith, Lotus Sutra, Bodhidharma, Enlightenment |
Oct 31 2023 5 of 8 The Yoga Room |
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Zen Meditation on the Great Flower Adornment Scripture, Class 4In this series of meetings, we will study and see how Zen is the key unlocking the innumerable meanings of this oceanic scripture. We will also explore how the sutra opens and illuminates our simple... YRB-2023-Fall, Faith, Lotus Sutra, Demons, Bodhidharma, Enlightenment |
Oct 24 2023 4 of 8 The Yoga Room |
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Compassion with the Controlling ImpulseEmphasizing compassion and de-emphasizing trying to control. Compassion with the impulse to try to control. Being careful without trying to control. Impartiality towards the outcome; for example,... Compassion, control, Non-grasping, Lovingkindness, Avalokiteshvara, Avalokiteshvara,... |
Feb 04 2023 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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Embracing Wisdom Through Unknowing Bodhidharma, Bell, Avalokiteshvara |
Nov 14 2022 |
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Relaxing in Responsibility: Zen Wisdom Bodhidharma, Avalokiteshvara |
Nov 07 2022 |
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From Solitude to Compassionate Connection Avalokiteshvara, Bodhidharma |
Oct 31 2022 |
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Protecting and Liberating All BeingsA residential weekend retreat at Mount Madonna. MtMadonna-2021-Fall, Compassion, Intimacy, Observe, Zazen, Bodhidharma, American... |
Nov 19 2021 Mount Madonna Center |
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Ten Vows, Ten Practices, and Ten Cakes Discrimination, Bowing, Japan, Bell, Attachment, Priest, Dragons, Doubt, Bodhidharma... |
Mar 07 2020 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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Buddha ActivityThe work of buddhas — buddha activity — is realizing intimacy and liberation in conversation together with all beings. In this series of meetings we will contemplate what it is to fully engage with... YRB-2019-Spring, cognitive process, Silence, Faith, Suzuki Roshi, War, Ego,... |
Apr 02 2019 5/7 The Yoga Room |
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Silent Awakening Through Interconnected Stillness Stillness, Silence, Bodhidharma |
Apr 02 2019 |
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Silent Sitting & Social ActionZen students often ask how our practice of silence and stillness relates to injustice and our environmental crisis. In this class we explore this question and study the intimate interplay of... YRB-2018-Fall, Silence, Bodhidharma, cognitive process, Observe, Fundraising, Lay,... |
Nov 13 2018 5 of 7 The Yoga Room |
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Teachings and Meditations On Our True NatureOur true nature is that we fully possess the wisdom and virtues of the buddhas. But because of misconceptions and attachments we do not realize our buddha nature. Therefore, teachings are given to... YRB-2018-Summer, Buddha Nature, Bodhidharma, Buddha |
Jul 31 2018 6/7 The Yoga Room |
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Bodhidharma Listening to the Cries of the WorldAvalokiteshvara's eyes of compassion observing all sentient beings; Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu, facing the wall for nine years; the Sixth Ancestor's training; Buddha Ancestors, Consciousness, Compassion, Bodhisattva, Bodhidharma, cognitive... |
Mar 03 2018 AM No Abode Hermitage |
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Bodhidharma Listening To The Cries Of The World Consciousness, Bodhidharma, Bodhisattva |
Mar 03 2018 No Abode Hermitage |
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Breath, Mind, and Zen Unity Bodhidharma, Transmission, Zazen |
Jan 25 2018 |
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Evolving Journeys in Zen Practice Bodhidharma, Zazen, Dogen |
2018 |
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Watch the Set-Up CarefullyListening to each others' stories; Scheherazade and the Thousand and One Nights; Avalokiteshvara, Bodhidharma, Tassajara |
Nov 11 2017 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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The Pivotal Business of Buddha’s HouseCompassion, Bodhidharma |
Jun 11 2016 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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Song of the Jewel Mirror Samadhi, Part 7Confession-and-Repentance, Compassion, Complete Perfect Enlightenment, Jewel Mirror... |
Sep 19 2015 AM No Abode Hermitage |
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Pathways to Zen Serenity Breath, Bodhidharma, Enemies |
Oct 27 2014 |
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Fayen’s Good FriendshipPerfect Wisdom, Perfect Wisdom, Avalokiteshvara, Bodhidharma, Blue Cliff Record,... |
Jun 07 2014 PM No Abode Hermitage |
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I always think of Hunan in Spring Bodhidharma, Japan |
Apr 12 2014 |
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Beyond Words: Encountering Zen Reality Bodhidharma, Japan, Emptiness |
Nov 18 2012 |
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On the Body Karmic Consciousness, Bodhidharma, Consciousness |
Nov 01 2012 |
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Zen Meditation: Transforming Suffering Through Practice Bodhidharma, Practice, Intimacy |
Oct 03 2010 |
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The Mind of Enlightenment Silence, Lotus Sutra, Dogen, Bodhidharma |
Aug 19 2010 The Yoga Room |
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The Mind of Enlightenment Enthusiasm, Bodhidharma, Equanimity, Practice Period, Faith |
Aug 05 2010 The Yoga Room |
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Training for the Selfless Heart Bodhidharma, Addiction, difficulty, Enthusiasm, Bodhisattva Way |
Apr 15 2010 The Yoga Room |
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Embodied Devotion: Realizing Buddha Ancestors Buddha Ancestors, Bowing, Bodhidharma |
Nov 03 2009 |
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Embodying Zen: Community and Practice Community, Offering, Bodhidharma |
Feb 20 2008 |
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Zen Path: Integrating Practice and Enlightenment Zazen, Vow, Bodhidharma |
Jan 25 2008 |
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Beyond Buddhism: Embracing Interconnected Harmony Love, Bodhidharma, Buddhism |
Jun 05 2005 |
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Embracing Zen: Beyond Duality and Attachment Bodhidharma, Conversation, Heart Sutra, Soto Zen |
May 11 2005 |
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Bodhidharma's SuccessorSerial: RA-00405 12/10/04 Tenshi Roshi Sesshin 5 Bodhidhama's Successor Sroty of Bodhidharma and Huike Practicing together Empiness Giving up gain and... Bodhidharma, Buddha Nature, Patience, Samadhi, Perfect Wisdom, Daily Life, Manjushri, Subject-and-... |
Dec 10 2004 Sesshin 5 |
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BodhidharmaSerial: RA-00384 Bodhidhar Story of Bodhidharma and Emperor Wu 3 Pure Precepts Embracing and Sustaining and being embraced and sustained (By forms and ceremonies, All Good... Bodhidharma, Suzuki Roshi, Heart Sutra, Chanting, Patience, Commitment, Don't Know Mind,... |
Dec 09 2004 Green Gulch Farm |
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NondualitySerial: RA-00427 12/6/04 Tenshin Roshi Sesshin #1 Nonduality All Buddhas and All Beings are one mind Nondual view is that duality and nonduality are nondualDualistic view... Mahayana, Letting Go, Non-duality, Bodhidharma, Enemies, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center,... |
Dec 06 2004 Green Gulch Farm |
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Transcending Illusions Through Wisdom Buddhism, Bodhidharma, Meditation |
Feb 2004 |
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Awakening Through Emptiness Awareness Bodhidharma, Meditation, Emptiness |
Jan 21 2004 |
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Emptiness Unveiled: Path to Liberation Instruction, Heart Sutra, Bodhidharma |
Jan 08 2004 Green Gulch Farm |
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Zen Lineage: History, Philosophy, Perception Soto Zen, Vasubandhu, Bodhidharma |
Nov 25 2003 |
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Embracing Emptiness Beyond Perceptions Buddha Mind, Bodhidharma, Chanting |
Nov 16 2003 |
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Zen Pathways to Compassionate Wisdom Bodhidharma, Community, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Discrimination, Evil |
Oct 26 2003 |
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Breathing Into Compassionate Wisdom Bodhidharma, Happiness, Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Suzuki Roshi, Discrimination... |
Oct 26 2003 |
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Beyond Stories: Zen Liberated Wisdom Letting Go, Religion, Attachment, Doubt, Bodhidharma |
Oct 26 2003 |
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Beyond Thought: Zen Liberation Journey Letting Go, Bodhidharma, Religion, Attachment, Evil |
Oct 26 2003 |
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Beyond Extremes: Embracing the Middle Way Three Treasures, Bodhidharma, Addiction, Practice Period |
Oct 22 2003 |
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GGF-Samadhi PP Bodhisattva Way, Bodhidharma, Paramitas, Religion |
Mar 06 2002 |
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Non-Involvement for Spiritual Insight Bodhidharma, Intimacy, Emotions, Letting Go, confusion |
Aug 16 2001 |
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Mindful Detachment for Enlightenment Bodhidharma, Intimacy, Emotions, Letting Go, Addiction |
Aug 16 2001 |
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Renunciation: The Path to Zen Wisdom Practice, Bodhidharma, Wisdom |
Jan 17 2001 |