Bodhidharma at Shaolin

Bodhidharma at Shaolin

Today, the Shaolin Temple is known for its kung fu. However, if it weren't for Bodhidharma, the Shaolin Temple would probably have been a nondescript monastic community.

Legend has it that Bodhidharma arrived at Shaolin, he was denied entrance by the abbot because he had upset Emperor Liang Wudi. Upon being turned away, Bodhidharma climbed nearby Mt. Song and entered a small cave. He vowed that he would not leave that cave until he reached enlightenment. It is said that he descended the mountain nine years later and was made abbot of Shaolin. He taught the monks that meditation, not ritual, was the key to enlightenment. However, the monks began to become sickly due to prolonged periods of inactivity. He introduced a set of eighteen exercises. It is believed that Shaolin kung fu is derived from these exercises.