The Legendary Bodhidharma

08-10-24 Aranha 017

Bodhidharma was an Indian Buddhist monk who traveled from India to China in the 5th century AD and propagated Mahayana Buddhism in China, which in China came to be known as Chan Buddhism. The Chinese also renamed him Da’mo or Ta’mo. This form of Buddhism has virtually died out in both countries, but is practiced today in Japan as Zen Buddhism, and where Bodhidharma is known as Daruma. In certain circles Bodhidharma is considered a myth.

Bodhidharma is also considered the “Father of the Martial Arts” by Japanese and Chinese Kung-Fu experts. He is still revered after many centuries at the Shaolin Temple, which is the mecca for martial artists from around the world.

Author Bio

Presented By:

Joseph Aranha who is originally from India and now lives in the US has been researching this monk for the past twenty five years and is now working on the final manuscript of a book, establishing beyond any doubt that Bodhidharma existed. His lecture will cover both the religious and and martial art expertise of this monk. Aranha was an investigator, and also a journalist and photographer by profession. He is presently Senior Editor for South Asian Insider.