Master of Zen

Bodhidharma is born in Kanchipuram, the third son of Pallava king Simhavarman II in the 5th or 6th century. He grows up within a royal milieu but leaves home after his father's death to seek spiritual training. He studies Buddhism under the master Prajnatara, setting the course for his later mission in Asia.

After his father's death, Bodhidharma departs from his royal life to pursue deeper Buddhist practice. He travels across regions of India in search of teachers, eventually meeting Prajnatara who becomes his tutelage. This period establishes his lifelong commitment to awakening and teaching.

Bodhidharma travels to China to spread Zen Buddhism. He encounters Emperor Wu of the Liang dynasty and challenges him, saying he has not accumulated merit despite the emperor's generous donations to Buddhism. The emperor is displeased, but Bodhidharma's presence sets the stage for his future influence.

Local people are wary of Bodhidharma, but he proves his power and mercy by rescuing a girl from drowning. He then demonstrates his qinggong skill, crossing a wide river with the help of a reed. These acts foreshadow his unexpected compassion and abilities.

Bodhidharma reaches Shaolin Monastery and settles in a cave on the back hillside. He begins his long work there, shaping meditation as a core practice for the community. His arrival marks the start of the Shaolin lineage's development.

For nine years he faces the wall, in unwavering meditation. He does not move, and crowds come to watch as rumors spread about a holy man in solitary discipline. This endurance becomes the catalyst for the Shaolin lineage that follows.

Shenguang, a former soldier turned monk, arrives in snow and kneels outside his cave seeking enlightenment. Bodhidharma awakens and accepts him as his student after Shenguang cuts off his left arm to show sincerity. Bodhidharma renames Shenguang as Huike.

Bodhidharma fends off robbers who try to raid the Shaolin monks and miraculously survives after being set on fire. The robbers retreat when they realize their efforts are futile against his spiritual presence. The incident underlines the martial and mystical power attributed to him.

Witnessing the monks' vulnerability, Bodhidharma teaches them combat and self-defense. His instruction evolves into a tradition that later becomes Shaolin Kung Fu. This is presented as a cornerstone of the monastery's martial identity.

In his old age, he contemplates returning to India and gathers his students to test their understanding of his teachings. Through demonstrations and dialogue, he determines who best embodies his legacy. He ultimately designates Huike as his successor.

In the concluding imagery, Bodhidharma walks away with a single shoe dangling from his staff. This visual hints at departure from the mortal world or a spiritual leaving. The moment is both mysterious and symbolic within the story.

A peasant meets Bodhidharma and later informs a Shaolin monk of his encounter. The monk reveals Bodhidharma died three years earlier, and they open his coffin to find it empty except for the other shoe. The scene leaves an impression of transcendence or unfinished departure.