Bodhidharma’s Legend in China: Zen, Shaolin and the First Tea Plant
Bodhidharma was a Buddhist monk of the 5th or 6th century who is traditionally credited with bringing Zen (Chan) Buddhism to China and is regarded as its first Chinese patriarch. Chinese legend links him to Shaolin kung fu and to tea: the story goes that when he cut off his eyelids to stay awake while meditating, the first tea plant sprang up where they fell.
Who was Bodhidharma?
Bodhidharma is known as Dámó (达摩) in China and Daruma in Japan. His name means “dharma of awakening (bodhi)” in Sanskrit. He came from southern India or Central Asia; historians aren’t sure which. According to Chinese legend, he began the physical training of the monks at Shaolin Monastery that led to Shaolin kung fu. He was the first to promote Buddhism in China in the way of Zen.
What does Zen mean?
“Zen” is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese character 禅 (chán). Chan is short for 禪那 (chánnà), an ancient Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit word dhyana, meaning meditation.
What are the legends of Bodhidharma?
- South to north: he landed in southern China but settled in the north, at Shaolin Temple in today’s Henan Province.
- Shaolin kung fu: he is said to have created Shaolin kung fu, though this is debated.
- Nine years facing a wall: he meditated facing a cave wall for nine years without speaking to anyone.
- The first tea plant: once he fell asleep while meditating. Angry with himself, he cut off his eyelids so it would never happen again. Where they hit the ground, a tea plant sprang up, and ever since, tea has been close to Zen practitioners.
- Huike’s arm: he refused to teach until his student Huike cut off his own left arm to prove his sincerity. Huike became his successor, and Zen soon spread across China and later to Japan, Korea and beyond.
- The single shoe: he died and was buried in 536. Three years later, an official saw him walking west carrying one shoe, saying he was going home. When the emperor had his grave opened, only a single shoe was left inside.
Why do Zen and tea share one taste?
There’s a saying, 禅茶一味 (chán chá yī wèi), meaning “Zen and tea share one taste.” Tea is said to have the same power as Zen: to bring inner peace and open true wisdom. Monks drank tea to stay alert during long meditations. Read more in tea and Buddhism, how Eisai brought tea to Japan and tea in Chinese offerings.
These are traditional views, not medical claims. Tea is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease.
FAQ
What is Bodhidharma’s connection to tea?
Legend says a tea plant grew where his cut-off eyelids fell, which is why tea and Zen are so closely linked.
Where did Bodhidharma live in China?
At Shaolin Temple in today’s Henan Province.
What does 禅茶一味 mean?
“Zen and tea share one taste.”