This video explores one of the most popular figures depicted in Buddhist art across East Asia, Bodhidharma, an itinerant monk who traveled to China in the 5th or 6th century CE and found Chan (Zen) Buddhism. We examine a 20th-century Chinese ink painting showing a fictional rendering of Bodhidharma while exploring some of the legends that surround this famous Buddhist. We also discuss three of his most important teachings, which relate to meditation, qigong 气功, and gongfu 功夫 (kung fu).

This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Buddhist art

• Buddhist religion

• Shaolin martial arts

• Historical people

• Art History

Speaker: Dr. Cortney Chaffin Kim

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction Chao Shao-an’s ink painting Meditation of Bodhidharma

0:50 Who is Bodhidharma?

1:58 Legends of Bodhidharma

2:42 Legend of Huike and Bodhidharma’s three teachings

4:02 Bodhidharma’s death

Learn more

• Discover more about the story of the Buddha: https://www.artsq.org/store/p/story-of-the-buddha-informational-text-reading

• Learn more about Buddhism: https://www.artsq.org/learn-about-buddhism

• Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history